Middle Years Program: Foundations

Grades 4-6

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Where students build strong skills, confidence, and independence.

 

The Foundations stage of our Middle Years Program is designed specifically for students in 4th - 6th grade.

This is a time of rapid growth, expanding curiosity, and developing identity. These years matter, and we’ve created an environment where students are supported, challenged, and known as individuals.

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Foundations blends authentic Montessori roots with intentional academic structure. Students have meaningful opportunities for independence and choice, and they also receive guided instruction in writing, reading comprehension, math, science, and organization skills that prepare them for the next stage of their learning.

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This is where students discover what they’re capable of academically, socially, and personally.

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What Foundations Is All About

 

Strong Academic Skills

Students deepen their understanding of core subjects through small-group lessons, practice, and application. Writing foundations, reading comprehension, grammar, math mastery, and hands-on science anchor the curriculum.

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Growing Independence

As part of authentic Montessori progression, students take increasing ownership of their work. They learn to plan, organize materials, manage assignments, and track long-term goals with teacher support.

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Engaging, Meaningful Work

Learning is hands-on and relevant. Students explore science through labs, conduct research, solve real-world problems, and participate in outdoor learning.

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Supportive Relationships

Teachers know each student’s strengths, challenges, and learning style. Foundations students feel supported, encouraged, and guided every day.

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Leadership in the Making

Students begin taking on responsibilities within the classroom and broader school community. These early leadership experiences help shape their confidence and identity.

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How Montessori Evolves in Grades 4–6

 

We remain authentically Montessori at our foundation, and the approach naturally becomes more collaborative and academically guided as students grow. In Foundations:

• Students still experience independence and meaningful choice

• Teachers introduce more structure, expectations, and academic routine

• Writing and communication skills are explicitly taught

• Math becomes more abstract and skill-based

• Students participate in group projects, research, and discussions

• Planning, organization, and personal responsibility increase

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This is Montessori designed for the middle years program; purposeful, engaging, and developmentally aligned.

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What Students Learn in Foundations

 

Literacy & Writing

• Sentence structure & grammar

• Paragraph writing

• Early essay building blocks

• Reading comprehension & annotation

• Literature studies

• Vocabulary development

• Beginning literature discussions

• Oral communication & presentations

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Mathematics

• Multi-digit operations mastery

• Abstract math 

• Fractions, decimals, and percentages

• Problem-solving strategies

• Pre-algebraic thinking

• Real-world math connections

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Science

• Hands-on labs

• Earth, life, and physical science exploration

• Data collection & interpretation

• Scientific thinking & experimentation

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