Our Montessori Elementary program celebrates and encourages our students as they embark on their academic journey, one in which they transition from the concrete to the abstract, broadening their worldview and emerging as critical thinkers. We aim to follow the student’s lead in their learning, so that they are consistently engaged and enthused by their own educational journey.
The Elementary Montessori Program is conducted in a multi-age setting that encourages students from different grades to learn cooperatively. Our classrooms are specially designed environments that facilitate abstract and concrete learning.
Our teachers are AMI (Association Montessori International) or MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education) certified in the authentic Montessori Method of Education, as developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. These two accrediting organizations grant the only authorized Montessori Teacher credentials.
The Elementary Program is deeply anchored in Montessori education. The distinct advantage of an Elementary Montessori education is the focus on each student’s individual interests and passions, leveraging these to drive their learning process (for example, a strong interest or passion in a specific topic or area can inspire a student to learn more about it).
The Elementary programs core curriculum is organized and integrates a wide range of subjects and activities, allowing students to engage in interdisciplinary learning and develop a deep understanding of concepts through hands-on materials and individualized instruction around the following areas:
Since the curriculum spans various subjects, from math and language to history and innovation, all topics are integrated to incorporate real-world scenarios, whenever possible and as the students advance in the Elementary program.
Beyond developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills, students also learn leadership through peer role modeling and mentoring within the mixed-age classroom setting typical of Montessori schools. This Holistic approach not only fosters social skills and empathy but also enhances academic learning.
Elementary students are actively encouraged to participate, collaborate and take on roles that enhance their leadership and teamwork skills throughout the program.
Throughout the school year, students initiate, plan and engage in diverse activities that support local causes, and they are motivated to become involved in fundraising events or awareness campaigns for different organizations. Through these initiatives, students not only develop practical skills but also gain knowledge about local issues. This involvement helps them become stewards with a global outlook.
Within the Elementary program, the Arts include both Music and Visual Arts. These subjects are woven into the broader curriculum, including language, history, and social studies, ensuring a holistic learning experience without creating isolated subject areas.
In the Music program, Elementary students engage with applied theory, develop their repertoire, and refine their techniques using vocals and various musical instruments, including the ukulele. In Visual Arts, students enhance their foundational skills and explore how their artwork communicates stories through its form and medium
Musical Stage productions are introduced and staged during different times of the school year.
In the Elementary program, athletics focuses on fostering teamwork, collaboration, and the foundational skills needed to participate in various activities.
Initially, students learn key concepts such as rules and expectations associated with different sports. They then advance to improving their physical skills, with a number of sports activities, including the kilometre club and yoga, in our full size gymnasium and our large playing fields. Additionally, students are educated about health and nutrition, tailored to their specific age and developmental stage.
At the Elementary level, technology including Laptops are available in the classrooms, and are used as a tool for research , gathering and presenting information. HMS plans to offer STEM and Coding programs as an after school program beginning in the Fall 2024.
Between the ages of 6-12, students are able to think hypothetically. Using their imagination, abstract reasoning, and inquiring mind, they start to learn newer concepts.
In order to find out more they must ‘go out’ into the world to see how the concepts learned in the classroom connect to the global community, of which they are a part. Through this exploration, both in the classroom and outside, the student begins to see the connections between the individual parts and the whole picture.
Our local and regional Field trips include: local farm field trips, including vegetable and dairy farms, Dundurn Castle National Historic Site of Canada, Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, and the Bird Kingdom.
To enter into the Elementary program students must complete an in-person interview and evaluation to determine acceptance and/or classroom placement.
Yes, it is a requirement that all students partake in the school Meal Plan. Fresh snacks and lunch will be provided by our catering company (Real Food For Real Kids – https://rfrk.com/our-food/ ) on a daily basis.
Yes, at HMS we believe that each student is on their own path of learning. Teachers track progress regularly and will plan and record individual weekly/monthly goals for each student.
Elementary students at HMS must follow the uniform policies, a list of requirements will be provided to families upon registration. Our uniform company, Total Sports Graphics, is located 5 minutes from the school.
Specialty classes that are integrated in the curriculum such as, Art, Music, French, Information Technology, Physical Education and Health etc., are included within the tuition fee. Extra-curricular and/or after-school activities are optional (Field Trips, Swimming, Skating, Skiing, etc.) and may be paid separately.
Please see all fees here: https://hamiltonmontessorischool.ca/hms-admissions/
HMS 2024
