Ages 6-9

The Lower Elementary Program offers a continuum that is built on the Casa experience.  The integrated studies of the arts, geography, history, and the sciences become the core of the curriculum to engage the imagination of the child while developing a global perspective.

The materials for language, grammar and math further expand and deepen the child's understanding of the concepts in their movement towards abstraction.  There is an emphasis on the six traits of writing, research with primary sources, grammar and sentence analysis, spelling and oral expression/speech.  In math, the materials work to help the child discover the correlation between arithmetic, geometry and algebra.

Current research emphasizes the importance of giving children the life skills needed to help prepare them for, and aid in, their success in our ever-changing future rather than just feeding them countless amounts of information (which is easily accessible at the touch of a button).  Children today need the tools to become knowledgeable on: researching information, being a good citizen, values, adaptability, compassion, time management, tolerant of differences and how to relate to people.  Maria Montessori was way ahead of the game.  Almost 100 years ago, she believed that these skills should be a basis for every child's learning and that every child should have the opportunity to learn these pertinent skills.

The Elementary Program provides a full expression of the Montessori principles of self-directed, individualized learning in a truly integrated curriculum.  By building on the basic skills acquired in the Casa Program, the elementary child now transitions from concrete to abstract reasoning.  The academic curriculum of Del Mar Academy’s Lower Elementary Program is highly enriched and challenging, focusing on three key elements: 1.mastery of the fundamental skills and basic core knowledge, 2. the 'Great Lessons', and 3. individually chosen research.

1. Mastery of the Fundamental Skills and Basic Core Knowledge

In this fully integrated curriculum, the student explores language arts studies, mathematics, science, social sciences, life skills, economics and money management skills, community involvement and service, and peace education.

English and Spanish Language Arts Studies  The world of language is expanded upon at the Lower Elementary level as the students have the opportunity to explore the intricacies of the English and Spanish languages.  On a daily basis, students read and express themselves through various forms of language, such as written, spoken and visual.  By developing the student's ability to use these languages, we strengthen their self-esteem and enhance their ability to express their thoughts and feelings more effectively.  Spelling, word study, writing mechanics, and research and reference skills are also developed.  Language is the window of knowledge in all disciplines. It provides the foundation for all of our math, science, and social learning.  The goal of the program is to create passionate readers and writers who enjoy the world of language.

Mathematics  The Lower Elementary math curriculum continues to work from the concrete to the abstract to create a greater understanding of mathematical concepts.  Students enjoy practical application of these concepts with the use of the materials to solve real problems.

Science  Our world and universe are fascinating places.  Students are actively involved in discovering the secrets they have to share with us.  They are given the opportunity to observe, analyze, measure, classify, experiment, predict and make conclusions about what is probably true, and what is probably inaccurate.  Science is an integral element of our curriculum and incorporates topics from botany, zoology, physical science, astronomy, geology, ecology, earth science, weather, the medical sciences, and a very strong Environmental Education program.

Social Sciences  At the Lower Elementary level, students learn about world geography (physical, cultural, political and economic), culture (including zoology, botany, music, languages and religions of various countries) and major world religions (traditions and basic beliefs).  Lower Elementary students also learn about the past and how it shapes the present.  They build models of ancient structures, make ceremonial masks and recreate a variety of artifacts of every day life of various historical eras.  The Del Mar Academy’s Lower Elementary students also learn about their surrounding culture and history via extensive Costa Rican country studies which are researched and conducted in both the Spanish and English languages. 

Information Communications Technology (ICT)  At this level, the computer is considered a tool, just like a pencil or an encyclopedia.  Students learn keyboarding and Internet research skills.  The computer is also used as an interdisciplinary tool and aids in creating presentations.

Life Skills  The Lower Elementary classroom has an abundance of opportunities for the children to develop life skills.  Students have opportunities to care for their environment, themselves and other living things (such as plants and animals), use grace and courtesy and prepare snacks and meals.

Economics and Money Management Skills  Students learn about the principles of economic freedom as well as financial and business matters.  These studies help them to understand and appreciate the value of money.

Community Involvement and Service  Students are actively involved in the community, and in turn, come to the realization that the responsibility to change our world for the better lies within, and that service needs to be an accepted part of everyone's life if we are to achieve this goal.

Peace Education  Peace Education is as vital an element in our curriculum as mathematics, language, and science, and will incorporate human relations and conflict resolution skills, non-violence, leadership training, cooperative teamwork skills, and communication skills.

2. The 'Great Lessons'

The Montessori Way allows for an in-depth, thorough study of 'The 'Great Lessons'.   These lessons include:  the story of how the world came to be, the development of life on Earth, the story of humankind, the development of language and writing, and the development of mathematics.  They serve as the core to an explosion of knowledge across disciplines.  The lessons, studies and projects surrounding each 'Great Lesson' normally spans many months.'

3. Individually Chosen Research

Rather than having students memorize facts mindlessly, they will learn mindfully and develop great skill in the process of doing investigations and research using the library, Internet, public records and primary and secondary source materials.  During a school year, the Elementary students are given the opportunity to choose topics of interest to them, related to the current theme of study.  They are taught the skills to research in order to answer specific questions, write about and make models on the topic, and finally, to present their efforts to their peers.