Kindergarten
Delivering on our Mission
Engagement + Collaboration
In Primary, hands-on, innovative academics invite students to think critically, work collaboratively, and engage deeply with the world, strengthening both their intellect and character.
Primary & Kindergarten Outcomes
Engagement + Collaboration
Academic: Ignite curiosity in the world through hands on materials that empower the child to experience math, science and literacy concepts that can take them beyond Common Core standards.
Social Emotional: Grow into a confident and engaged kindergarten leader who is interested in having a positive impact in the lives of those around them and forming strong relationships.
Experiential: Engagement in the city neighborhood through purposeful outings to relate and interact with community members and enrich their academic and social growth.
MAC’s Integrated Kindergarten (IK) program is the capstone year of our Montessori early childhood continuum and a defining milestone within our Purpose Pathway.
As a leading Montessori kindergarten in Denver, IK engages students academically, socially, and emotionally, strengthening foundational skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science, practical life, and self-regulation while cultivating leadership and confidence.
During this pivotal year, students transition from primarily concrete exploration to increasingly abstract thinking, asking deeper “why” questions as their intellectual and social development accelerates. IK students spend part of their day in a multi-age Primary classroom, where they serve as leaders and mentors, while also participating in focused cohort experiences that prepare them for Lower Elementary. Through individualized instruction, collaborative group work, and cross-division mentorship, students develop agency, empathy, and academic readiness.
Grounded in the developmental research of Maria Montessori, the IK year honors the cognitive, emotional, and social needs of the child at this plane of development. Completing the third year of the Montessori cycle ensures that students fully consolidate foundational skills and emerge prepared for the increased independence, rigor, and responsibility of Elementary school.
Integrated Kindergarten is a Pinnacle Year for our Students. We ensure our Montessori curriculum is aligned with Common Core standards. You can expect your IK student to experience a robust and comprehensive year full of academic and social-emotional growth.
Why Integrated Kindergarten at MAC?
More Focus On Academic Rigor
Because children in Montessori classrooms work at an individualized pace taught to them in the way that they learn best, they can soar without limits. This ensures that students are engaged, especially in their IK year when their abilities are prime for laying academic foundations that last for life. There is more focus on academic rigor and teachers use progress monitoring tools to create individualized instruction. Children cement their curiosity, love of learning, and intellectual development through the IK program.
Growth of Leadership Skills
IK students develop their voices and their role as leaders during this year. These oldest students have the unique opportunity to understand what it means to be a leader through their strong IK cohort and know their importance within the classroom. Our teachers give direct instruction about the responsibility that accompanies leadership, and our IK students practice these skills each day. Whether it is assisting a younger child with a lesson or leading a small group, IK students leave Primary with the confidence that will endure throughout their schooling.
Expansion of Knowledge and Curiosity
In response to their rapidly developing curiosity and excitement to dig deeper into subject matter, our IK students spend several afternoons each week with other IK and Lower Elementary students participating in advanced art and music. This opportunity creates a strong foundation for relationship building, social-emotional development, and prepares the IK student to dive right in without a learning curve when they reach 1st grade at MAC.
IK Curriculum
Tuition Assistance
We strive to increase financial accessibility to MAC and have several opportunities to help families afford a MAC education. MAC offers financial assistance options to eligible students over age 4 through the Tuition Adjustment program and partners with DPP and UPK. The Curtis Park Scholarship supports families within the 80205 school zip code. Merit-based awards are considered for 6-8th grade MAC Middle applicants.
MAC’s Integrated Kindergarten (IK) is a magical culmination of children’s Primary years; it is the critical capstone of a Montessori early childhood education. Our IK program is specifically designed to empower every student to thrive.
Now accepting applications! To learn more about our admissions process, click below.