The Montessori approach recognises certain developmental stages in the child’s life. Maria Montessori observed that these went approximately in three year cycles and our approach to schooling follows these cycles. During the first three years of life the child is learning life skills. Montessori 3-6 environments provide opportunities for children of this age to explore and grow.
Our Montessori Pre-primary programme is set over a three-year period, with children usually commencing around their third birthday and remaining at school for nine terms until they are about six. The third year coincides with Senior Infants at other schools. It is very important that the children stay for this third year as it consolidates their knowledge and gives them a strong sense of responsibility. During their 3rd year they are encouraged to stay until 3pm and can avail of our extended day programme for children from 4-5 years on.
The three year cycle continues into Primary, where the groupings are generally ages 6-9 and 9-12. We have a flexible intake into Primary from the Pre-primary, according to the child’s readiness. This means that children may move up to Primary at any time throughout the year. Again, it is important to commit to the three year cycles so that the child gets the most out of the developmental stage, having a turn at being the youngest as well as the oldest in the class.
