Primary
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 Primary program (Pre-K) cultivates each child’s natural curiosity and love of learning, guiding them from explorers to confident leaders.
Designed for children ages 3–6, our Primary community reflects the rapid cognitive, social, and emotional development of this stage. Mixed-age classrooms provide rich opportunities for peer learning, leadership, and collaboration while honoring each child’s individual pace. Through inquiry-based lessons and hands-on Montessori materials, teachers cultivate confidence, independence, and joyful engagement in learning. Class sizes range from 20–25 students, supported by a Montessori-certified Lead Teacher and two Assistant Teachers, maintaining a 1:10 adult-to-child ratio.
Students explore all areas of the Montessori curriculum, including Practical Life (care of self and environment), Language, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Music, and Art. Our classrooms are thoughtfully prepared to integrate real-world experiences and support diverse learning styles, allowing children to make purposeful choices and take ownership of their learning within a structured, supportive environment.
The Primary program follows the traditional three-year Montessori cycle, a defining element of authentic Montessori education. In their first year, children explore; in their second, they experiment; and in their third—typically the kindergarten year—they emerge as classroom leaders and mentors. This capstone year solidifies foundational academic skills, strengthens social-emotional growth, and prepares students for Elementary. Grounded in the developmental research of Maria Montessori, the full three-year cycle ensures children fully realize the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of the program.
MAC’s Primary program follows a traditional 9.5-month academic calendar, with optional summer programming available.
Why the Primary Program at MAC?
Innovative Academics
Primary students learn through exploration in Mathematics, Science, Music, Art, Geography and History. This is a sensitive period in a child's brain where a lifelong love of learning is nurtured by being exposed to multiple hands-on activities. Our curriculum provides basic knowledge and integration with practical life experiences; it is implemented with respect to individual learning styles and natural human development. This program sets the foundation of challenging and individualized instruction that follows in the Elementary years at MAC. Children thrive on predictable routines and schedules, which is a reason the Primary environment has a clear, consistent daily schedule.
Exploration of Character
The nature of a Primary mixed-age classroom allows students to be with peers and teachers for a longer period of time, creating a deeper bond with the classroom. Students intrinsically learn to navigate relationships and develop capability and confidence in their interests. Children also begin to understand who they are and their place in the world, becoming more inquisitive and passionate.
Fearless, Forward Learners
Primary classrooms are structured so that a child can naturally move from a learner to a leader during their time in the community. Older children help younger children become acclimated, whether that be by giving them lessons, helping them discover new things, or assisting them when they ask for help. Children experience incredible social-emotional growth in the Primary program and leave with integrity, independence, confidence and critical thinking skills.
Program Highlights
From learners to leaders, our Primary program nurtures each child’s natural curiosity and love of learning. Within the mixed-age classroom, younger students learn alongside and from older peers who model independence and responsibility. Over time, a remarkable transformation unfolds—by the end of their Primary journey, children step confidently into leadership roles, guiding others and embracing their growth with pride.
We chose the Primary program at MAC because we like how it focuses on free choice activities and emphasizes focus, control, and attention. We love our Primary teacher and appreciate her incredible insight to our little boy’s strengths, weaknesses, and growth.
-Primary Parents
MAC participates as a provider in Colorado’s Universal Pre-K Program (UPK), which increases financial accessibility to families with children who are four years old by 10/1. In addition, the Denver Preschool Program (DPP) Tuition Credit is available to families who reside in Denver County. Please visit the program websites for more information.
Now accepting applications! To learn more about our admissions process, click below.