Montessori
Quick links » Benefits of Montessori / Foreign Language / Transition to Grade One
Green Hedges students launch their journey in our Montessori program, where the seeds of learning begin to grow. This three year program starts at age three and continues through age five. Children can enter at age 4 or 5 successfully based on their ability to interact positively with others, degree of self-control, listening skills, and willingness to learn.
Accredited by the American Montessori Society, our program is child-centered that allows for individuality in a multi-age setting. We believe children are naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment.
Certification
Our program is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) and meets or exceeds all physical space requirements, fire and safety requirements, and employment practices of the Code of Virginia, Fairfax County, and the American Montessori Society.
Multi-age groupings are a hallmark of the Montessori method: younger children learn from older children; older children reinforce their learning by teaching concepts they have already mastered. This arrangement also mirrors the real world, where individuals work and socialize with people of all ages and dispositions.
In early childhood, Montessori students learn through sensory-motor activities, working with materials that develop their cognitive powers through direct experience. The curriculum encompasses all disciplines, integrated into the program: practical life (life skills), sensorial, math, language and cultural areas (science, geography, history, art, music and foreign language). As students develop, teachers match appropriate lessons and materials to maximize learning when it is most naturally absorbed and internalized.
At Green Hedges, we believe phonics is the foundation of reading. Students begin at an early age to learn the phonetic alphabet in a sequential manner.
Class Composition
Each class has an American Montessori Society certified teacher, an assistant with early childhood training and experience and a maximum of 22 multi-age students.
Throughout the Montessori years, students develop the social skills necessary to interact in a positive manner with adults and peers. The child learns to follow directions and continues to develop the self-control, order, concentration, and independence necessary to become a lifetime learner. These skills come together during the child’s third year of the program, enabling him or her to enter Grade One with a strong foundation in all areas of the curriculum and self-confidence to undertake most any academic challenge.
Benefits of Montessori
Montessori students learn to think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly—a skill set for the 21st century. Montessori education offers our children opportunities to develop their potential as they step out into the world as engaged, competent, responsible, and respectful citizens with an understanding and appreciation that learning is for life. For more details, please reference the American Montessori Society’s Introduction.
Foreign Language
A hallmark of the Green Hedges’ program is the early introduction to foreign language. Montessori students begin learning French at age 3 and meet with the French teacher in small groups twice per week (half-day students) and four times per week (full day students). READ MORE (link to Clippings article about early exposure to foreign language)
Montessori Transition to Grade One & Beyond
Montessori and Lower School faculty work closely together to ensure that Montessori students seamlessly transition to our traditional Grade One classroom and beyond by their deep understanding of curriculum, knowledge of the various skill sets students need to succeed and regular opportunities to collaborate. Further, the Grade One classroom integrates Montessori materials and work spaces, creating a smooth transition to traditional teaching.
Learn more about Green Hedges Lower School »
