Montessori Education from Age 6: Fostering Autonomy and Curiosity

At the age of 6, the Montessori child becomes increasingly independent, mastering movement, thought, and language. This is a crucial developmental stage where children are ready to explore the world with curiosity and purpose.

In our Montessori primary program (ages 6–12), educators guide children through the discovery of their environment, encouraging them to become active researchers and explorers. The goal is to help each child understand the world around them and find their place in society with confidence and awareness.

A Curriculum that Sparks Wonder: The Great Montessori Stories

The academic year begins with the Great Stories, captivating narratives that lay the foundation for broad learning themes:

• The creation of the Earth
• The emergence of life
• The history of writing and the alphabet

These foundational tales spark curiosity and invite students to explore deeper.

Learning Through Exploration and Key Lessons

Through short, engaging presentations—called key lessons—students are invited to revisit concepts, conduct research, or complete hands-on projects. These lessons open the door to a wide range of subjects, including:

Language development (French and English)

Mathematics and geometry

Biology, zoology, and botany

History and geography

The Montessori classroom nurtures each child’s natural desire to understand. Students are encouraged and supported in their intellectual curiosity, helping them become enthusiastic, self-motivated learners.

Montessori Materials and Social Development: Building Independence and Joy in Learning

In the Montessori environment for children aged 6 to 12, the Montessori materials continue to play a central role. These hands-on tools empower children to become autonomous learners, guiding them from concrete understanding toward abstract thinking. As the child progresses, the material becomes a stepping stone—eventually no longer needed as they reach conceptual independence.

Learning to Live with Others: Social and Emotional Growth

This develo

pmental stage is also a time when children begin to thrive in group work, collaborate with peers, and navigate social relationships. They naturally spend more time managing interactions, learning to respect shared rules, and developing their sense of responsibility.

Through this experience, each child builds self-esteem, learns from peer interaction, and gains the confidence necessary for true independence.

Key Benefits at This Stage:

• Continued use of Montessori materials for self-directed learning
• Development of abstract thinking and critical reasoning
• Strong focus on
• Collaboration, social integration, and emotional growth
• Encouragement of self-confidence, personal responsibility, and intrinsic motivation
• A joyful, purposeful approach to education

Upper Elementary Montessori Classroom: A Modern, Well-Equipped Learning Environment

In our Upper Elementary program (for children aged 6-12 years), we offer four specially equipped classrooms designed to meet the unique needs and developmental stages of each pupil. These classrooms feature interactive whiteboards, tablets, and computers for controlled use, complementing traditional Montessori materials. This combination of technology and hands-on learning tools supports the Montessori philosophy and enhances the educational experience.

Key Features:

Interactive whiteboards for dynamic, engaging lessons

Tablets and computers integrated into daily learning, used responsibly and purposefully

Montessori materials for tactile, self-directed learning

Focus on individualized learning and technological integration

By incorporating both traditional Montessori and modern technology, we ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.

English Language Learning in Montessori: Tailored, Small Group Instruction

In our Montessori Upper Elementary program, English language instruction is provided through small daily groups, ensuring that each child receives personalized attention based on their individual knowledge and abilities. Taught by a native English-speaking teacher, the focus is on fostering both oral and written communication skills.

Starting at age 6, students continue to learn to read and write in English, progressing according to their own pace. At this stage, they are able to follow the PER curriculum (Plan d’Études Romand) in English, expanding their literacy skills while aligning with educational standards.