Elementary

Children between the ages of 6-12 are innately inquisitive, questioning the “why” behind all aspects of our world. Montessori feeds their curiosity by teaching not just reading, writing, grammar, and spelling, but also by sharing the fascinating history of language from the distant past to the present. Students are directly instructed in specific skills and apply those skills through meaningful work across all other subject areas. 

Alongside a rigorous and hands-on literacy curriculum, MAC incorporates a methodology called Orton-Gillingham (OG), a technique to use with our existing curriculum. It is a phonological approach to reading that is multi-sensory, systematic, structured, and success-oriented. Orton-Gillingham focuses on improving reading, writing, and spelling skills, giving students the necessary tools to achieve greater success in school and in life.

Montessori mathematics provides an unparalleled opportunity for children to not just memorize facts and formulas, but also to dive deeply into the way math actually works. Montessori alumni frequently credit the pedagogy with their impressive numerical literacy. Students begin by using concrete materials to fully understand operations, the base-ten system, fractions, decimals, and Geometry. They move to working without materials and memorization, generally excelling in all areas of Math (Montessori and Common Core) as they grow older by learning through:

• Whole numbers
• Fractions & decimals
• Geometry
• Measurement, Graphs, and Real World Application

The Montessori cultural curriculum offers a rich and dynamic approach that provides meaning and context for students. The curriculum integrates all subject areas; it is exciting for students and adults! Lessons begin with theories on the origin of the Universe, in which principles of physical science are revealed, and then proceed to examine the forces that have acted over the ages to shape the world we inhabit. The relationships of earth, sun, seasons, and zones of climate are also studied, in addition to economic and political geography. There is emphasis on understanding plant and animal behavior and physiology. The basic needs of plants and animals (e.g. water, food, defense, reproduction) provide the framework for investigating the unique varieties from the point of view of adaptation, both to contemporary environments and throughout time.

Spanish Language acquisition is an integral component of the Elementary curriculum at MAC. Research demonstrates that learning a second language increases cognitive skills, such as critical thinking, attention and making connections. Our Spanish language teacher engages children with lessons in speaking, reading, writing and cultural studies using Spanish and provides 1:1 support for fluent or native speakers.

Going Outs, or children learning outside the classroom, are an essential tenet of the Elementary classroom. These experiential explorations are designed to take advantage of MAC’s metropolitan location and include student-designed field trips. At MAC, we expand on this notion of experiential explorations by integrating research, curriculum, service learning, and community awareness into our Going Outs with the understanding that children learn by doing. Experiential learning requires our students to function as a group through the collaboration and respectful decision-making processes, allowing for socialization skills to be nurtured and enhanced.

In Upper Elementary, students engage in authentic, student-led business experiences that connect learning to real-world purpose. Through operating the Hot Lunch Program three days a week and the MAC Coffee Cart five days a week, students apply math, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills while managing budgeting, planning, and customer service. These businesses directly support fundraising for student trips, giving children a tangible understanding of responsibility, collaboration, and how their work contributes to shared goals—bringing entrepreneurship to life in a meaningful way.

Student trips are intentionally designed as extensions of classroom learning, deepening academic study, fostering independence, and strengthening community connections. Upper Elementary students begin the year building relationships and leadership skills during a trip to YMCA of the Rockies, then conclude the year with immersive cultural and historical experiences in Taos or Mesa Verde National Park. Lower Elementary students explore ecology and environmental science through hands-on learning at the Cal-Wood Education Center, while 6th grade students culminate their capstone year with a purpose-driven trip to Washington, D.C.. Each experience is thoughtfully aligned to developmental readiness and curriculum goals, helping students connect learning to the wider world in meaningful, lasting ways.

The Elementary Art Studio at MAC is an extension of the classroom where students explore and master art-making materials. The curriculum is emergent, driven by work in the classroom, the children's interests, and individual needs. Students have time and space to plan and implement big works, work collaboratively, and participate in group lessons. The students are engaged in artist studies, both historical and contemporary, and connect with art in the local and greater community.

Music classes combine Montessori pedagogy and music education to provide the students with the opportunity to explore and develop their musical potential, whether that is through musicals or bands. Students play a variety of instruments and engage in creative exploration through movement, singing, and listening. Students are also introduced to media technology through iMovie, Garageband and podcasts.

In movement, students engage in dynamic and skill-building units, including gymnastics, flag football, soccer, and more. Students are guided to understand the importance of physical activity in their daily lives and encouraged to develop a positive outlook on leading healthy, active lifestyles. They are introduced to the concepts of nutritional needs and explore how the body responds to exercise. Each child is encouraged to work toward their physical development level while incorporating teamwork, sportsmanship, and community-building through physical activity and engagement.

The 6th-graders begin integrating into MAC Middle School. Below is a sample daily schedule.