Upper Elementary: 9 - 12 years
Upper Elementary classrooms bring together fourth through sixth graders and emphasize increasing independence, leadership, and abstract thinking. Students continue to participate in extended morning work periods that allow for deep concentration, sustained effort, and engagement with more complex academic work.
At this level, students take greater ownership of their learning through individualized goal-setting, time management, and long-term projects. Teachers continue to guide instruction through observation, small-group lessons, and individual support, while encouraging students to think critically, solve problems collaboratively, and take responsibility for their learning.
Afternoons often include Cultural Studies and project-based learning opportunities in areas such as art history, creative writing, cooking, eco-studies, and drama. Upper Elementary students are given numerous opportunities for leadership — both within the classroom and through mixed-age projects — strengthening communication, collaboration, and responsibility.
To support readiness for future academic environments, students participate in biannual standardized assessments. These assessments provide practice with test-taking and serve as one of several tools used to measure progress, alongside regular teacher observations and individualized evaluations.
Parents frequently observe significant growth during the Elementary years, including:
- Strong academic foundations and curiosity across subjects
- Increased independence, organization, and accountability
- Thoughtful collaboration and peer leadership
- Confidence in problem-solving and self-advocacy
- Readiness — academically and socially — for Secondary and beyond
“The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct his own experiences.” -- Maria Montessori
Toddler
18 months - 3 years
Toddler classrooms at CMS are nurturing and stimulating environments where young children learn through all their senses and begin to develop an interest in exploring the world around them.
Primary
3 - 6 years
In a Primary classroom, the mixed age groups afford the older children the chance to serve as leaders in the classroom, and provide examples for the younger children to learn from and to model in a social and academic setting.
Lower Elementary
6 - 9 yearsIn Lower Elementary classrooms, mixed-age learning encourages curiosity, collaboration, and growing independence, allowing children to build strong academic foundations while learning from and alongside their peers in a supportive community.
Upper Elementary
9 - 12 yearsIn Upper Elementary classrooms, students take on greater ownership of their learning, developing leadership, critical thinking, and confidence as they prepare for the increased responsibility and independence of adolescence.
Secondary
12 - 14 yearsThe Secondary program connects academics to real-world experiences, empowering adolescents to think critically, explore personal interests, and grow into confident, responsible, and engaged learners.