“Our schools show that children of different ages help one another. There are many things that no teacher can convey to a child of three, but a child of five can do it with ease."
- Dr. Maria Montessori
THE EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMUNITY (CASA)
Students in this program range from ages 2½ to 6 years (Pre-School, JK/SK).
Our program begins at 9:00 A.M. and finishes at 3:30 P.M.
The Early Childhood environment unifies the social, physical and academic functioning of the child. The program provides children with an early foundation that includes a positive attitude toward school, inner security and a sense of order, pride in the physical environment, abiding curiosity, habits of concentration, initiative and persistence, the ability to make decisions, self-discipline, and a sense of responsibility to other members of the class, school, and community. This foundation will enable them to acquire more specialized knowledge and skills throughout their school career.
Children are guided to work at their own pace with the self-correcting materials, allowing the students to explore and perfect their work. Many lessons build in sequence to allow a student to understand the concepts being taught. Each student works with the material until a level of competence is reached. They then progress to the next lesson. This in itself is an evaluation of the student's ability. Each student is taught individually giving the teacher(s) immediate insights into the student's grasp of every concept taught.
Written progress reports are prepared and given to parents and legal guardians three times a year.
Curriculum
The activities in the Casa classroom centre around five main areas of learning. Click on any of the headings below to read more:
The sensitive period for language is birth to age 6. At thisyoung age children absorb language very easily including vocabulary, grammar and syntax. Basic skills in writing and reading are developed through the use of sandpaper letters, movable alphabet, and various presentations allowing children to link sounds and letter symbols effortlessly and to express their thoughts through writing. The Language curriculum is phonics-based with an emphasis on the child’s whole-language experience. Children also enjoy French language instruction. Language Arts materials assist students in: 
The Culture Area is very exciting for young children. Children learn about people and cultures in other countries with an attitude of respect and admiration. The materials arouse the children's interests and give them the freedom to explore and experience, as well as gain an understanding of the world around them. Music, art, and movement education are part of the integrated cultural curriculum. Lessons and experiences with nature inspire a reverence for all life. Cultural materials and activities develop the following concepts:
