“The child, making use of all that he finds around him, shapes himself for the future.”
﹣Maria Montessori

Curriculum & Calendar

 

At Montessori School of Greater Lafayette, your child can receive an education that builds their confidence and paves the way to an imaginative future. Located in West Lafayette, IN, our school has served young children and families throughout the Greater Lafayette area since 1972.

From early childhood and preschool to the elementary years, let us be a pivotal part of your child’s enrichment. We also provide after school programs, and much more.

 

Our Tenets of Behavior

MSGL staff help children maintain a healthy self-image while learning social norms for behavior. The entire school setting is arranged with this in mind.

The basic rules in a Montessori environment are:

  • All people are respected. (No physical or verbal harm to oneself or others.) The work of others is not disturbed.
  • The environment is respected. All materials handled correctly and put away properly.
  • Use your inside (quiet) voice in the classroom and hallway.
  • Use your walking feet in the classroom and hallway.
  • Thank someone when they comply with a request.
  • Hands are on our own body, unless you have permission.
  • It is polite to ask if you can help a friend with her/his work. Respect your friend’s answer.
  • The teacher may excuse you from work if you abuse the materials.
  • Use your words, not your hands, when you are unhappy with someone.
  • You may tell someone how you feel when you are upset or confused.
  • Toys or other items from home may be brought to the sharing basket or left in the locker.
  • We can create our own clever characters, but we may not pretend to be characters that hurt others.

When difficulties arise, teachers allow time for the children themselves to settle the issue with words. If intervention is necessary, teachers remind children of the rules and redirect if necessary. A time out may be used if a child needs time away from others or materials to regain emotional control. Corporal punishment is never used.

Sidney, Student at Montessori School of Greater Lafayette, looking at butterflies with a magnifying glass

Curriculum

We are the only accredited school by the American Montessori Society in the Greater Lafayette area. Our programs foster independence, confidence, and a lifelong love for learning. If you would like to learn more about tuition and admissions, call us today at 765-464-1133!

Parent/Infant Program

(Ages 1 year old by September 1st)

Classes meet once a week for participation and observation on  either Tuesday from 9 AM to 10:30 AM (one option), Wednesday from 9 AM to 10:30 AM (option 2), or Friday mornings from 9 AM. to 10:30 AM (3rd option).  Through observation and discussions, parents gain a better understanding of their child and learn to meet the true needs of the child without sacrificing their own and also a better understanding of Montessori methods and philosophy. In addition, the children are afforded the opportunity to interact on a regular basis with a familiar group of children, which is especially important in this time of smaller families.

For the Parent
The purpose of the program is parent education, and the primary objective is to help
parents develop the personal skill of observation. Observation is the basis for the
Montessori method of education as well as the basis for study in all areas of child
development. The children in the Parent/Infant Class are truly the educational resource
for the parents and teacher.

For the Child
The program goal for the children is to enhance growth in social-emotional, physical, and intellectual spheres. Classroom materials are specially selected to help them with the unique developmental tasks of this age. They are free to explore and learn by experiencing the materials and interacting with other children.

Toddler Program

(Age 2 years old by September 1st)

Classes meet two, three, or five mornings per week from 8:15 AM to 11:15 AM. This program is designed for children ages 2 to 3. Emphasis is placed on Practical Life and Sensorial activities and experiences. Children learn care of self, care of the environment, acceptable social interactions, and control of movement. Verbal language skills and physical skills are highlighted.

Students may be enrolled for two, three, or five mornings per week. The two-day option is Monday and Tuesday; the three-day option is Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. As we are considered a school by the State of Indiana, 2-year old students are not eligible for the All-Day Program (i.e., 2-year old children may not be in school for more than three hours per day). A ratio of six students per teacher is maintained.

Early Childhood Program

(Ages 3 – 6 Years) Must be 3 yrs old by September 1st

This program is designed as a multi-level classroom for children ages 3 to 6. The Montessori Early Childhood classroom is geared to the developmental stages of these children, giving them freedom in an environment prepared with attractive materials. Children are free to choose their own activities, to work alone or in small groups with the Montessori materials for most of the session. Children and teachers also gather for community time. This allows for the children to experience being part of a large group activity. Songs, discussions, short group presentations, and sharing happen under the teacher’s direction. Special programs may be presented by parents or individuals from the community who share special talents or knowledge. We invite parents to share cultural, ethnic, or professional interests, hobbies, and talents. A half-hour of supervised gross-motor play time is scheduled each session. This is usually outside in the fenced playground.

The Montessori classroom is geared to the pace and interests of children, giving them freedom in an environment prepared with attractive materials. Community time allows for the children to experience being a part of a large group activity. Children are free to choose their own activities, to work alone or in small groups with the Montessori materials for most of the session. These materials can be divided into seven main groups.

Practical Life includes activities of daily living such as learning to button and tie, cleaning up after oneself, caring for pets and plants, using a computer, and courteous and respectful behaviors. These develop concentration, fine motor skills, social competence, and self-esteem.

Sensorial Materials spotlight the use of the senses to discriminate differences and similarities in the environment. They learn to observe, make comparisons, form judgments, and make decisions.

Math helps the children develop an awareness of numbers, counting, and basic math operations.

Science is explored through observing and caring for animals and plants, conducting simple experiments, using the puzzle maps, exploring the seasons, and making timelines.

Creative Arts & Crafts allow for self-expression and fine motor development.

Music highlights listening skills, ear training, movement, and singing.

Perceptual Motor Development emphasizes physical activity which leads to coordinated movement.

It is highly encouraged that children remain at MSGL through their Kindergarten year to get the full benefit from our curriculum. The curriculum in a Early Childhood class, when taught by a Montessori credentialed teacher, is individualized for each child and includes materials and instruction considered Kindergarten level in the state of Indiana. This program is available for children ages 3 to 6 who can toilet independently; students must be 3-years-old by September 1 to be eligible for the program. There are five morning classes that meet from 8:30 to 11:30 and there are five afternoon classes that meet from 12:00 to 3:00 PM. If the child stays for both morning and afternoon sessions they will each lunch between classes from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM. No additional registration for fees are incurred for this lunch time. A ratio of 12 students to one teacher is maintained in each of these classrooms.

Kindergarten

Age 5-years-old by September 1st

Our kindergarten program is part of our Early Childhood curriculum where the students focus on refining skills in math, language, and writing. This program helps the child make the transition from learning in the concrete to learning in the abstract.

A ratio of 12 students to one teacher is maintained with a maximum of 24 in the class.

All Day (Monday-Friday)

8:30 AM to 3:00 PM

This program is for children who are in kindergarten and ready for a full-day program. The
program combines a Morning Early Childhood 5-mornings class and an Afternoon Early Childhood 5-afternoons class.

Half-Day, Morning or Afternoon Only (Monday-Friday)

8:30 AM AM to 11:30 AM OR 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

This program is for children who are ready for kindergarten materials and prefer a half-day (3 hours) option. Students must attend a five-day-a-week program in order to be tracked as a kindergarten student.

It is highly encouraged that children remain at MSGL for three years to complete the Montessori cycle through their kindergarten year. The curriculum in a Early Childhood class, when taught by a Montessori credentialed teacher, is individualized for each child and would include curriculum materials and instruction considered kindergarten level. Thus, a child who meets the entrance age for MSGL and has attended the Early Childhood Program at least one year prior will be considered “in kindergarten” and will receive a Kindergarten Progress Report. New (to MSGL) 5-year-old students should be 5-years-old prior to September 1 for eligibility.

Elementary

1st grade – 6th grade
As the elementary-aged child gradually moves from the concrete learning pathways of preschool to the more abstract ones of the elementary, Montessori meets their developmental needs each step of the way.

In the Montessori Elementary Program, the child’s own questions provide the basis for exploration of the world. Because these questions are heeded and nurtured, the child really connects with knowledge and establishes a love of learning.

During the preschool years, the Montessori child has already acquired a beginning literacy of letters, numbers, and writing. In the elementary years, basic skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic are polished in the meaningful context of a big picture.

A ratio of 15 students per teacher is maintained. This program is from 8:15 to 3:15 PM. Early Arrival and After-care programs are available for Elementary students.

After Care

Ages 3 – 10 Years

Early Childhood After Care

This program is available on an hourly basis from 3:00 PM until 5:30 PM for children enrolled in the Early Childhood Program or Kindergarten. Students must attend their regular school session in order to be eligible to attend After Care that day.

Afternoon activities supplement the other Montessori programs. Nutrition, art, science, music, health, and safety activities are included. This program is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Elementary After School Program

This program is available on an hourly basis from 3:00 PM until 5:30 PM for children enrolled in the Elementary program. This program is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Young girl conducting a science experiment at Montessori School of Greater Lafayette
Oliver B. playing in the sand at Montessori School of Greater Lafayette
“We moved to West Lafayette from Purdue and decided to enroll our 3-year-old in the bilingual preschool class right after moving to town. It’s been the very best thing for us as we’ve transitioned into the community. Wonderful, loving teachers and equally wonderful kids in the classrooms. My daughter is thriving there and learning so much. She loves to go!”
﹣Stephanie L.
Montessori School of Greater Lafayette
Business Hours
Monday - Friday:
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Office Hours
Monday - Friday:
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

 

American Montessori Society Logo- West Lafayette, IN