• +1 (602) 943-7672
  • info@mdpsc.org
  • 9215 N. 14th Street, Phoenix AZ 85020

    • Montessori Preschool Program

    Foundations of Independence

    In the Montessori Preschool environment (traditionally called the Primary classroom), children ages 3 to 5 embark on a journey of self-discovery. This multi-age setting is a “living room” for children, carefully prepared to encourage independent choice, functional movement, and the development of the “absorbent mind.”

    Note for Older Students: If your child is five years old and has no prior Montessori experience, please see our Kindergarten-Only Program for specialized placement.

    The Preschool Curriculum

    Our Montessori Preschool curriculum is divided into distinct areas of focus that provide a holistic foundation for the child’s development. Throughout the day, students engage with:

    • Practical Life: Real-world activities like pouring, buttoning, and plant care that build fine motor skills and concentration.
    • Sensorial: Materials designed to isolate and refine the five senses, helping children categorize and understand their world.
    • Language & Math: Hands-on introductions to phonics, writing, and mathematical concepts using concrete manipulatives like sandpaper letters and bead stairs.
    • Cultural Studies: Exploring geography, biology, and the arts to foster a global perspective.

    The Prepared Environment

    Every element of our Montessori Preschool classroom is intentionally designed to be accessible to the child. Shelves are at eye level, and materials are organized from simplest to most complex. This “prepared environment” allows the child to choose their own work, fostering a sense of autonomy and deep engagement that is the hallmark of a Montessori education.

    The Three-Year Cycle

    A vital component of our Montessori preschool program is the three-year cycle. By staying in the same classroom with the same teacher (Guide) for three years, children experience a sense of stability and community. They begin as observers, grow into active participants, and eventually become mentors to their younger peers, solidifying their social and academic confidence.

    Program Goals

    • Functional Independence: Learning to care for oneself and the classroom environment.
    • Refined Concentration: Developing the ability to focus on a chosen task for extended periods.
    • Social Harmony: Practicing “Grace and Courtesy” to navigate social interactions with kindness.
    • Intrinsic Motivation: Finding joy in the process of learning rather than seeking external rewards.
    • Sensory Awareness: Categorizing and ordering physical impressions of the world.

    Preschool Program Teachers: