Our Wee Threes program addresses the unique needs of children who turn three between September 1 and December 31. These younger three year old children fall between toddler and preschooler. The curriculum follows that of our Primary program while focusing on the particular developmental needs and learning pace of these “wee threes.” Greater emphasis is placed on practical life, sensorial materials and cultural studies. Beginning math and language materials are also introduced according to each child’s individual interest and ability.
As with all our Montessori programs we “follow the child” by creating a calm and nurturing environment where learning occurs naturally and each child progresses at their own pace. Our goal is to create a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Our Primary Program is for children ages 3 to 6 and is based on the studies of pioneer educator Dr. Maria Montessori. She believed that children are uniquely primed to learn during their first six years of life, and that they have the ability to learn as naturally and eagerly as they learn to walk and talk if encouraged in an appropriate setting. Our classrooms provide this "prepared environment" in which children are free to explore and learn at their own pace. Each classroom has a full complement of Montessori materials. The teacher acts as a guide to the classroom, recognizing periods of readiness, introducing new materials, and demonstrating how to use them.
The multi-aged classroom is a major component of the Montessori philosophy. The three-year age span allows younger children to see possibilities for future development and gives the older children a clear sense of the progress they have made. There is no artificial division of the ages so a child of 3 may do the same work as a 4 or 5 year old depending on each one's interest and ability. The program comes to full fruition in the Primary 3 (kindergarten) year when all of the previous lessons and experiences come together in a meaningful whole, and the Primary 3 students have the opportunity to mentor the younger children.
8:15 AM - 11:45 AM — Primary 1 and 2 (3 and 4 year old) students
8:15 AM - 3:30 PM — Primary 3 (Kindergarten) students
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The multi-age classroom lends itself wonderfully to the natural curiosities of exploring and learning. Our oldest is now in 6th grade...each year she finds a renewed interest in learning, exploring new things as well as building her confidence.
Our vision is to develop each child's full potential as collaborative and self-directed learners by providing an academically excellent, interdisciplinary Montessori experience in partnership with parents that nurtures each child's intellectual curiosity, connection with the natural world, academic accomplishment and social and emotional growth as they become engaged citizens of the world.
Our Mission
The Ocean State Montessori School fosters independence, self-esteem, and a lifelong love of learning by providing an academically excellent and nurturing Montessori environment for children in preschool through sixth grade.