Three- to Six-year Old Primary
The Primary, or preschool, level is a program three to four years
in length. It is at this level that Montessori's concept of
mixed-age learning groups begins to clearly manifest itself. The
Primay program goals are to foster independence and to support
children in moving toward mastery of self and the environment. The
Primary classrooms are prepared Montessori environments designed to
encourage children to develop a love of learning and trust in their
own ability to learn.
The Primary classroom environment unifies the psychosocial, physical, and academic functioning of the child. It is an important task to provide students with an early sense of order, pride in the physical environment, self-discipline, and a sense of responsibility toward the other members of the class, school, and community. The period from three-to six-year old primary years is the most important for laying the foundation for all future development.