Pre-Primary (Toddler), 18 Months Through 3 Years.
What the toddler years look like in a Montessori room, and how to see it for yourself.
The Pre-Primary (Toddler) room
The Pre-Primary program builds a child's natural tendency toward independence and language development. The room is arranged so a child can choose work and move freely, with a teacher nearby to guide. Practical Life materials fill the shelves: pouring, spooning, fastening, carrying. These activities foster independence, increase concentration, refine motor skills, and build self-esteem.
Language is everywhere. Materials sit within reach, and children practice emerging social skills alongside them. They learn self-care — washing hands, putting on shoes and jackets. Grace and courtesy lessons run through the day, encouraging respectful treatment of friends, teachers, and the environment.
Children are given ample time to finish what they start, at their own individual pace. The staff brings the tenderness, warmth, and patience this age asks for. You can ask us how a morning is paced and what your child's day would hold.
What to expect
Pre-Primary (Toddler -18 Months Through 3 Years)
The room is rich in language materials and in chances to practice emerging social skills. Practical Life materials foster independence, concentration, fine motor skills, and self-esteem. Children learn self-care: washing hands, putting on shoes and jackets. Grace and courtesy lessons encourage respect for friends, teachers, and the room. Under a teacher's guidance, children choose activities and move freely, with ample time to finish what they start.
Have Questions?
If you have a question about the Pre-Primary program, send us a message. We will be in touch with you shortly. You can also call the school during office hours to schedule an appointment and see the room for yourself.
What this looks like in practice
In the Pre-Primary room, children build independence and language. The Practical Life area holds materials for pouring, buttoning and carrying, which refine motor skills and concentration. Children practice self-care: washing hands, putting on shoes and jackets. Grace and courtesy lessons run through the day. Teachers guide carefully, and children choose activities at their own pace.
What a parent notices at home tends to be small and specific. A child reaches for their own jacket and works the zipper. They carry a cup without spilling. They ask for something in more words than before. Those are the first signs of independence and language taking hold, and they build from a room where a child is allowed to try.