Children’s House

What you will see from your student

Parents of our students notice their children developing initiative, inner discipline, and a deep respect for themselves, others, and their environment. Once children complete this level of our school, they transition naturally to our Elementary Level.

A little more about Children’s House

Maria Montessori described her first classroom as the Casa dei Bambini, or “The Children’s House”. Our Children’s House environments are designed for children between the ages of 3 to 6. In these three years, the child continues to develop a sense of “self”, but unlike in the first three years of life where growth and development happens unconsciously, development at this age is done consciously.

Stepping Stones Montessori’s Children’s House environments build on the development gained by children in the first three years. At this stage of development, children’s curiosity and inherent desire to learn become apparent. Our classrooms are designed to take advantage of that curiosity and desire by providing hands-on materials and lessons that help children develop concentration, coordination, independence, and a sense of order.

Lessons include mathematics, language, geometry, practical life, sensorial work, and cultural studies. Maria Montessori posited that the hand is the vehicle for learning at this age, and she designed materials to foster learning and understanding. Modern science supports this perspective, and we now know how important hands-on materials are for developing neural pathways.



Children at this age are required to attend Monday - Friday, with no exceptions. Half-day and Full-day options available.

Child centered (not teacher centered)

Unlike conventional classrooms, where all children are expected to pay close attention to the teacher, our program does the opposite – the teacher is trained to closely observe your child’s interests, tendencies and needs. You won’t see the teacher standing at the front of the classroom at a chalkboard, but rather down at your child’s level, engaged with her or a small group.

A mixed-age classroom

Because the curriculum is individualized, your child can work at his or her own pace while participating in a mixed age classroom community. Your younger child learns by observing the behavior and activities of the older children. Your older child gains self-confidence, leadership skills and responsibility by setting an example for her younger friends.

The gift of choice

Your child will be introduced to a broad range of concepts and activities in individual and small group lessons. The real learning, however, occurs through independent activity by choosing to explore it, repeat it and perfect it.

Hands-on materials

The scientifically designed Montessori materials help your child learn through hands-on use and exploration. Through continued use, he develops as a concrete understanding of abstract concepts, such as mathematics, providing a solid foundation for learning into the future.

Group activities and play

While most of the day is spent in self-directed work, there are also times for group activity and play. The teacher may gather a group for songs or to tell stories about a cultural, scientific or historical theme of interest. Ample time is also given to run, dig, explore and play with friends outdoors.

One size does not fit all

Instead of a top down curriculum based upon age, the teacher is trained to respect your child’s unique potential and connects him with the lesson best suited at that precise moment of development. Your child will be challenged according to her ability, not to a generic standard.

Kindergarten included

Montessori is a continuum of education that allows your child to build upon experiences each year. Your child will stay in the Primary classroom for 3 years, including the traditional “kindergarten year” – when the seeds of learning come to fruition. Reading and writing come to life from sounds and symbols. She is introduced to numbers and the decimal system. She learns about geometric figures and the political countries of our world. She leaves the program with a strong set of academic skills; but, far more importantly, with the attitude that learning is fun, exciting and boundless. At this point, she is ready to move up to the Elementary program, for children from the ages of 6 to 12.