Programs

A Montessori journey, from first steps to first grade

The full Montessori curriculum for ages 12 months to 6 years, offered across our four Winnipeg campuses.

The curriculum

Five areas, one connected whole

Montessori materials turn big ideas into something children can touch, explore, and master.

Practical Life

Practical life is the foundation for the rest of the classroom. Purposeful work such as pouring, spooning, dressing, cleaning up, and grace and courtesy helps children take care of themselves, other people, and the room. Along the way they practise respect, patience, confidence, and independence.

Sensorial

Sensorial materials refine a child's sense of discrimination. The exercises help children sequence, order, and categorize what they notice, so abstractions become something they can work out for themselves. Children repeat the lessons and soon make their own variations.

Language

Language work builds vocabulary and prepares the hand for writing and reading. Children construct language by doing, not by sitting and being told. Writing is taught before reading. In the 3 to 6 curriculum, writing is direct preparation for reading.

Mathematics

Mathematics work covers counting, number relationships, and the decimal system. The materials lay the groundwork for later, more abstract mathematics, and for sound reasoning and problem solving.

Cultural

Geography, botany, zoology, history, science, music, art, and nature study make the classroom lively and connect children to the wider human family. These themes give children a way to picture the world as a whole.

Kinder Music

Music and movement introduce children to the language of music in a collaborative setting. Singing, storytelling, dancing, and instruments support musical development, and also social interaction, impulse control, spatial awareness, and focused listening.

French

A visiting teacher introduces Canada's second official language, starting with numbers and colours and moving on to animals and foods. Lessons use Montessori language and math materials, with songs and dancing.

Kids Yoga

Yoga is introduced with music, games, stories, and simple poses, in a light-hearted way. Play and personal discovery help children find the poses for themselves, in a setting meant to build on their strengths and confidence.

Use of the gym

Full-day and half-day children use the gym as part of the Enhanced Montessori Program.

Healthy snacks

A balanced snack is served at school. It is planned so it is safe for the children attending, and the month's snack menu is posted on the bulletin board.

Hot lunch

A daily hot lunch gives children a freshly prepared meal at school. Mealtimes are also a chance to practise healthy eating habits and independence at the table.

Schedules

Full-day and half-day options

The Enhanced Montessori Program includes Kinder Music, Kids Yoga, French, use of the gym, healthy snacks, and a hot lunch.

Full Day

7:30 am – 5:30 pm

The Enhanced Montessori Program plus extended care, with healthy snacks served twice daily and a hot lunch.

Half Day – Morning

8:00 am – 12:00 pm

The Enhanced Montessori Program with a healthy snack served daily.

Half Day – Afternoon

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

The Enhanced Montessori Program with a healthy snack served daily.

Summer Program

The summer program runs through July and for three weeks in August. It is different from the school-year program. Every two weeks there is a new theme, and the class spends as much time as possible outside, playing, exploring, and discovering. The classroom is set up to match the theme, with art and craft work planned for those weeks.

The prepared environment stays in place, and so do independence, grace, and courtesy. Most of the activities themselves change. Children still have individual and group experiences suited to their age.

Outings

  • Farm
  • Assiniboine Park Zoo
  • Splash pad
  • Special guests
  • Neighbourhood walks
  • Conservatory
  • Aviary Museum

Occasionally

  • Water Day
  • Bouncy Castle Day
A day in the life

Gentle rhythm, deep learning

Morning

Arrival & free choice

Children settle in and begin their self-chosen work.

Work cycle

Uninterrupted learning

A long, focused block where deep concentration flourishes.

Midday

Snack, outdoors & lunch

Fresh air, movement, a nutritious snack, and a hot lunch.

Afternoon

Rest & enrichment

Quiet time for the youngest; music, French, and yoga for others.

Take the next step

See our programs in action

A visit is the best way to understand how Montessori supports your child.