The Montessori School - Flatiron SOHO
Translate
montessori educational programs in NYC

When I Grow Up

Video Transcript:

My name is Lilya, and I am 4 years old.

When I grow up, I want to be an architect.

I want to build something amazing.

Primary Program (Ages 3-6)

Our Primary program serves children ages 3 to 6 and is rooted in the Montessori philosophy, which nurtures independence, curiosity, and self-confidence. Children explore a broad curriculum in a carefully prepared environment that allows them to grow at their own pace.

Older 2-year-olds may also be considered for this program based on developmental readiness, a hallmark of Montessori schools that value individualized learning.

Daily Schedule

  • Full Day: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

  • Early Drop-Off: Available starting at 8:00 a.m.

  • Aftercare Program: Runs from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m, offering flexibility for working families

Why Ages 3–6 Matter in Montessori

According to Dr. Maria Montessori, the years from 3 to 6 mark a shift from unconscious to conscious learning. Children begin actively shaping their own personalities and understanding of the world. This stage is marked by a desire for independence, movement, and purposeful work—the foundation for intellectual and social development.

The Montessori classroom meets these needs with a “prepared environment” where children are free to explore, choose their work, and repeat activities to build mastery—all guided by trained Montessori educators.

Montessori Curriculum Areas

Practical Life

Children build independence through everyday tasks like pouring, sweeping, buttoning, and setting the table. These activities develop coordination, focus, and confidence, while laying the groundwork for future academic success.

Sensorial

Sensorial materials sharpen the senses and help children identify and classify the world around them. Activities focus on dimensions such as color, size, shape, texture, sound, and smell—enhancing observation, pattern recognition, and fine motor skills.

Language

Children develop early literacy through phonetic awareness, writing, and vocabulary-building exercises. Language work includes:

  • Learning sounds and letters

  • Matching objects to words

  • Practicing handwriting

  • Sentence building

  • Grammar introduction (nouns, verbs, adjectives)

  • Silent reading

Mathematics

Using hands-on materials, children learn to understand quantities and number concepts before moving to abstract thinking. Topics include:

  • Counting and number recognition

  • The decimal system

  • Arithmetic operations

  • Geometry foundations

Cultural Studies

This area broadens children’s understanding of the world through:

  • Geography: Maps, landforms, and global cultures

  • Science: Hands-on exploration of the natural world

  • Botany & Zoology: Learning about plants and animals

  • Foreign Language: Exposure to other languages and cultures

  • Art & Music: Creative expression through movement, singing, and art-making

Cultural work supports both intellectual and emotional development, helping children appreciate diversity and connect to the larger world.

A Thoughtful Transition from Toddler to Primary

As children approach age 3, we assess their individual readiness for the Primary classroom. This decision is made collaboratively by the child’s current Toddler Guides, prospective Primary Guides, and the Assistant Head of School. This developmentally informed approach ensures children are placed where they will thrive.