THE ELEMENTARY PROGRAM
Personal and academic growth at the child's own pace, aligned with curriculum goals.
The Montessori Elementary Program
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Our Montessori Elementary Program encompasses a carefully prepared learning environment that fosters personal and academic growth, independence, confidence, responsibility and a passion for learning. It is designed to inspire and challenge students to discover the best of who they are and to achieve their full potential. Adhering to the curriculum provided by the Ministry of Education, we guide our students towards success in their own unique strengths and talents.
What sets Montessori apart in the Elementary years (ages 6 – 12) is the individually paced curriculum that challenges children academically and safeguards their well-being and sense of self. Engaging as contributing members of a respectful community, they learn to question, think critically, and take responsibility for their own learning — skills that will support them in later education and in life. As at all Montessori levels, the Elementary program is based on the belief that children learn best through movement and work with their hands, and provides cognitive, social, and emotional support to help them reach their full potential. This includes addressing their needs as they enter a new period of development characterized by: • A transition from concrete to abstract thinking • Growing interest in socialization • Thinking and memory that is enhanced by creativity and imagination • An interest in fairness, social justice, and compassion |
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The CurriculumThe Montessori Elementary Curriculum is very closely aligned with BC's Ministry of Education's new curriculum. The redesigned curricula are described as concept-based and competency-driven. It places more emphasis on the deeper understanding of concepts and the application of processes rather than on the memorization of isolated facts and information. This goes hand in hand with Montessori pedagogy.
Core Competencies are at the centre of the Ministry's curriculum redesign. They are sets of intellectual, personal, social and emotional proficiencies that all students need to develop in order to engage in deeper learning. The Core Competencies include critical and creative thinking, communication, as well as social and personal awareness and responsibilities. Our Montessori Elementary program is designed to develop and nurture these core competencies in each student. The teaching team is a highly experienced group of educators collaborating in the development and delivery of a Montessori elementary education program of the highest quality. They are fully qualified with their Montessori Elementary Guide certifications, Early Childhood Educator certifications and Independent School Teaching certifications. We are fully licensed and governed by the BC Ministry of Education. |
Mixed-Age ClassroomOur Elementary program operates much like a one-room schoolhouse for children from Grade One to Seventh Grade. Montessori classrooms allow students the opportunity to learn and grow not only from the adults in the classroom, but more importantly from one another.
The Montessori approach allows children the freedom to develop at an individual pace while addressing their specific strengths, challenges and interests. Individualized lessons and daily activities are designed to peak each child's interests and abilities. Lessons are perfectly tailored to each student. For example, each student receives 1:1 reading time twice a week and levelled, interest-based books are sent home as part of the Reading Program. A student may be ahead of or behind his or her chronological peers, but the classroom has teachers and materials available that are appropriate to the needs of every student, regardless of where he or she falls on the spectrum of abilities. There is no skipping or failing of grades because a student remains with his or her chronological peers whatever the academic needs. EXPANSION PROJECT: We are currently in discussion with the City of Vancouver regarding the possibility to double the size of the current space and add a rooftop garden. |
Specialist Class Programs
In addition to a strong academic program, students participate in several Specialist classes each week led by teachers specializing in each area.
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ORFF MUSIC
The Orff method taps into children’s natural instincts to make music through active participation. The children learn by doing and are constantly creating music: playing instruments, improvising, moving and singing. Early musical training helps to develop areas of the brain involved in language, reasoning and problem-solving. Research shows that the study of music enhances concentration and improves school aptitude. At the same time, performance art teaches children to overcome their fears and become risk-takers so they can fully develop their potential. FRENCH Our French program presents a child-centered, activity-based introduction to the French language and culture. Students have fun interacting with each other with basic French words and phrases as they sing French songs, repeat familiar rhymes and enjoy games, crafts, stories and dramatic play. They become comfortable using basic French words and greetings, show comprehension through gestures and conversations and can easily respond to key directions. |
ART
Art is integrated into the program and are extensions of the curriculum. Art materials are readily available in the classroom year round. Much like the Montessori materials, the children are encouraged to use, explore and create with the items on the art shelf. Art classes, enriches the program by providing direct instruction on core elements in art. Activities are connected to featured artists, connections to the curriculum or the children’s interests. YOGA, MOVEMENT & DANCE Yoga classes are fun with a creative approach to movement. The use of animated poses and stretching exercises promote strength, flexibility, coordination and body awareness. Breathing and visualization techniques teach us how to focus, relax and develop self-control. Children are given time to practice silence and stillness, to stimulate their imagination and to help release energy in a fun, safe environment. Through positive language affirmations the program also promotes inner-awareness, strength, confidence and a positive self-image, a feeling of well-being, respect for others and respect for our bodies. |
Physical Education
The children walk to nearby green spaces daily where the they participate in active play, cooperative games and sports such as basketball, lacrosse, tennis, soccer or Taekwondo. Activities may vary from term to term depending on the interest of the group.
Classroom Design
The design and flow of the Montessori classroom create a learning environment that accommodates choice. There are spaces suited to group activity and areas where a student can choose to work independently. Parts of the room are open and spacious.
You won’t find the customary rows of school desks. Instead children have the choice to work at tables of various heights or on the floor, rolling out mats on which to work and define their space.
There are well-defined spaces for each part of the curriculum, such as Language, Math, and Social Sciences. Each of these areas feature shelves or display tables with a variety of inviting materials for students to choose from. There are also places to curl up with a good book.
Visual clutter is kept to a minimum. The classroom is warm, well-organized, and inviting, with plenty of room to move, natural light, and plants to help children feel calm, relaxed and at home.
We take great pride in the Elementary space we have created with a very carefully curated and rich selection of exceptional learning materials.
You won’t find the customary rows of school desks. Instead children have the choice to work at tables of various heights or on the floor, rolling out mats on which to work and define their space.
There are well-defined spaces for each part of the curriculum, such as Language, Math, and Social Sciences. Each of these areas feature shelves or display tables with a variety of inviting materials for students to choose from. There are also places to curl up with a good book.
Visual clutter is kept to a minimum. The classroom is warm, well-organized, and inviting, with plenty of room to move, natural light, and plants to help children feel calm, relaxed and at home.
We take great pride in the Elementary space we have created with a very carefully curated and rich selection of exceptional learning materials.
Our Day
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MORNINGS
The first part of the day is reserved for the Morning Work Cycle. During this time, students are engaged with the Montessori materials, receiving and giving lessons and working through their daily learning plan. LUNCH HOUR Lunch is held at 12 noon daily. The children have 20 minutes to eat their lunch accompanied by read-alouds. This is followed by a 40 minute outdoor playtime. The group walks or scooters to the nearby play spaces in our neighbourhood. Various outdoor games and sports equipment are available to the children for use during this free play time. |
AFTERNOONS
Afternoons are when most of our Specialist classes occur. Physical Education outings, Project Work, class read-alouds and novel studies also happen in the afternoons. DAILY SCHEDULE 08:50 - 09:00 Drop-Off Window 09:00 - 12:00 Morning Work Cycle 12:00 - 13:00 Lunch Hour and Outdoor Playtime 13:00 - 15:00 Specialist Classes and Project Work 15:00 - 15:10 Pick-Up Window |
Field Trips
Connecting with the community and exploring our surroundings is an important part of the Montessori Elementary Program. Our students go on several field trips throughout the year to enrich their learning in all curricular areas.
Some highlights have included: the Monet and Picasso exhibits at the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, the Blodel Conservatory, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, the Vancouver Symphony, the Vancouver Playhouse, Carousel Theatre, Southland Farms, the Honeybee Centre, the Vancouver Public Library, the Pacific Museum of the Earth, Van Dusen Gardens, Maplewood Farm, CBC Radio Station and Rogers Arena to watch a Canucks hockey practice.
Some highlights have included: the Monet and Picasso exhibits at the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, the Blodel Conservatory, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, the Vancouver Symphony, the Vancouver Playhouse, Carousel Theatre, Southland Farms, the Honeybee Centre, the Vancouver Public Library, the Pacific Museum of the Earth, Van Dusen Gardens, Maplewood Farm, CBC Radio Station and Rogers Arena to watch a Canucks hockey practice.
Fee Schedule for the 2024 - 2025 School Year
Tuition Fees are bundled and include an individualized learning program led by a qualified and experienced WMS Montessori Elementary Guide, all curricular materials, student supplies, activity fees, field trips, enriched Physical Education program and Specialist Classes. Upon enrolling, families are asked to provide the school with a series of postdated cheques using one of the payment schedules below.
Tuition
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1. Annual Registration Fee & Lump Sum Payment Totalling $15,7500
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2. Annual Registration Fee & Four Instalments Totalling $16,000
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We are able to accept a limited number of International Students.
Tuition costs for International Students is $19,500 per year.
Tuition costs for International Students is $19,500 per year.
Our Elementary Program falls under Westside Montessori School Society, a non-profit organization committed to providing Montessori elementary education of the highest quality.
We are a safe place for all students.
We are a safe place for all students.
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ELEMENTARY PROGRAM CAMPUS
Westside Montessori School 3396 Cambie Street Vancouver, BC V5Z 2W5 Office Phone: 604.731.6594 |