Our Programs
Toddler Program
Ages: 2 – 3
School Day: 8:30 – 2:30
Extended Day: 8:00 – 8:30 | 2:30 – 5:30
(See the section on Extended School program for more information)
In the toddler classroom, children develop a comforting sense of belonging to their tight-nit classroom community. They learn to support and respect one another. They adopt the classroom routines such as putting things back where they belong, being gentle, and setting up their lunches on their place mats. The activities in the toddler room are child-initiated so children explore freely and make their own decisions about what to do, with the teacher there as a gentle guide. The focus is the development of independence, language skills, fine and gross motor skills, creativity, concentration, and social-emotional skills. The goal is joyful learning and an interest in caring for the classroom community.
8:00 – 8:30 – Before-Care
8:30 – 9:45 – Classroom Work Period
(Montessori activities)
9:45 – 10:00 – Community Circle
10:00 – 10:15 – Snack
10:15 – 11:00 – Playground
11:15 – 11:45 – Lunch
12:00 – 2:15 – Nap
2:15 – 2:30 – Community Circle
2:30 – 5:30 – After-Care activities
(Snack, playground, indoor activities)
Primary Program
Ages: 3 – 6 | Includes Kindergarten (optional)
School Day: 8:30 – 2:30
Extended Day: 8:00 – 8:30 | 2:30 – 6:00
(See the section on Extended School Program for more information)
The shelves in our sunlit primary classrooms are lined with beautiful and engaging materials. Children have the freedom to explore and choose activities that grab their interest. They may decide to design fresh flower arrangements for the classroom, try their hand at the North America puzzle map, practice sewing, play “Do-Rei-Mi” on the bells, or create sculptures with clay, as some examples of the possibilities. Our teachers are there to support and guide when needed and to extend children’s learning through personalized one-on-one lessons. The Montessori curriculum also includes a hands-on, age-appropriate approach to learning to read and to using numbers.
The classrooms extend outside into a sunny courtyard, where children can work in the vegetable garden and use the movement activities.
The mixed age environment provides wonderful opportunities for the older children to teach or help our younger children and for the younger children to observe and learn from their older friends. This is a special aspect of the Montessori environment.
Schedule:
8:00 – 8:30 – Before-Care
8:30 – 11:00 – Classroom Work Period
(Montessori Activities)
11:00 – 11:15 – Community Circle
11:15 – 12:00 – Playground
12:00 – 12:30 – Lunch
12:30 – 2:00 – Nap or Classroom Work Period
2:00 – 2:45 – Playground
(2:30 – After-Care begins)
2:30 – 6:00 – After-Care
(Snack, After-Care activities, Playground)
ESP | Calendar | Camp
Extended School Program
Before school: 8:00 – 9:00
After school: 2:30 – 6:00
Our ESP program includes read-alouds, art projects, chess, puzzles, and other fun and stimulating activities. Children are also served an afternoon snack and spend more time out on the playground as well.
There is an additional charge for ESP. Year-round extended care packages are available as well as drop-ins by request (as space permits.)
The Academic Year
Corte Madera Montessori follows a standard school year calendar aligned with the local public school district. Please email us at cmmontessori@sbcglobal.net for a copy of this year’s calendar.
Summer Camp
Come join us for a fun, active, and engaging camp experience with your classmates. Children who were enrolled at CMM the previous school year are eligible to enroll in any or all of our 9 one-week sessions. ESP is also available during summer sessions. We are closed during the week of July 4th.