Overview
Lower Elementary
(1st - 3rd Grade)
Our Classroom Environment
Our Lower Elementary Program features students learning in a mixed-age classroom, where a blend of first, second, and third grade students is combined in a single classroom setting. Each student has a personalized work plan tailored to their skill level, abilities, and demonstrated mastery of concepts. Each student’s learning experience is grounded in hands-on exploration and uninterrupted work cycles to deepen their independence. We incorporate the best of Montessori tradition with research-based programs, such as Core Knowledge, Language Arts, and Singapore Math, to provide our students with a comprehensive, well-rounded education that lays a strong academic foundation.
Language Arts: Students advance through the Montessori Language Curriculum, which emphasizes grammar, parts of speech, sentence structure, and writing mechanics using concrete materials that bring language to life. To further enrich literacy development, we incorporate the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) program. CKLA complements the Montessori approach by strengthening reading comprehension, fostering a love of literature, and deepening historical and literary context while developing critical thinking and communication skills.
Mathematics: Our math curriculum combines Montessori's tactile materials with the structured approach of Singapore Math, providing our students with a solid foundation in both concrete and abstract understanding of math concepts. Students learn the four operations, develop fluency in number sense, and enhance problem-solving skills through hands-on models and mental math strategies. This dual approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of math concepts and computational accuracy.
Cultural and Social Studies: At the heart of the Montessori Elementary experience is the Cultural and Social Studies, which weaves together science, geography, and history into an interconnected study of the world. Students explore civilizations, ecosystems, and global cultures through the lens of Montessori’s Great Lessons—narrative-based presentations that spark imagination and inquiry. As they study various regions or historical timelines, children learn about the geography, politics, science, and social life that shaped them, creating a truly integrated approach to learning.
STEAM and Other Specials: Rounding out a Lower Elementary student's curriculum are a rich variety of Specials classes that nurture creativity, exploration, and well-rounded development. These classes support academic learning while helping children discover and cultivate their unique interests and talents. These classes include Science, Technology, Laboratory, Art, Music, Band, Spanish, and Physical Education.
-
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math): Hands-on, inquiry-driven projects that encourage innovation and critical thinking.
-
Technology & Laboratory: Opportunities to explore algorithms, coding, robotics, digital tools, and the scientific method in real-world applications.
-
Art: A journey through artistic expression, media, and technique, with projects inspired by both classical and contemporary artists.
-
Music & Band: Students build musical literacy, rhythm, and appreciation. In Third Grade, students begin band class with an exploration of instruments and preparation for performance.
-
Spanish: Immersive language learning that builds vocabulary and cultural awareness through conversation, games, and music.
-
Physical Education: Activities that develop coordination, teamwork, and a love for movement, promoting lifelong wellness.
Skills Development
-
Grammar & Parts of Speech
-
Reading Comprehension
-
Written Composition
-
Vocabulary Enrichment
-
Arithmetic Operations
-
Dynamic Math Word Problems
-
Creative Expression
-
Critical Thinking
-
Teamwork and Collaboration
-
Relationship Building
Activities Involved
-
Physical Education
-
Music Fundamentals & Choir/Band
-
Art
-
Spanish
-
Science/STEAM
-
Technology & Lab
-
Library & Literacy Enrichment
-
Choreography & Performance (Winter/Spring)
Why Join Us?
Our Lower Elementary Program brings together children in 1st through 3rd grade within a multi-age classroom that reflects the core of Montessori philosophy—fostering independence, collaboration, and personalized learning. Students enjoy a rich selection of Specials classes that support creativity and physical development. These include Physical Education, Music, Art, Science Lab, Technology, and Chorus—with Jazz Band introduced in 3rd grade. This well-rounded approach ensures that every child is nurtured as a whole learner—intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and creatively.
Classroom Enrichment
Outdoor Classroom
To extend learning beyond the classroom, students will participate in day trips and overnight camps that connect to the curriculum, provide real-life problem-solving opportunities, and inspire teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence.
STEAM
At Hudson Montessori School, the STEAM approach integrates science, engineering, math, technology, and art through hands-on, inquiry-based learning, while community engineers mentor students to further strengthen the Engineering Curriculum.
Computer Science, Robotics, and Technology
Hudson Montessori School’s new technology lab supports web research, 3D printing, programming, robotics, and coding, with 3rd–5th graders preparing for the Continental Math League and all students showcasing their work during Computer Science Week (Dec 5–11).
Music and Chorus
Our music teacher, has assembled and conducted our Hudson Montessori Children’s Choir. The choir will continue our outreach to Jersey City, New York City and other neighboring communities through music and songs.
Music Appreciation
Our Music Appreciation class is a culmination of the basics of music theory, a survey of different musical styles, and music history. We will ”explore” what music is, how it began, and how it evolved throughout the ages into what we hear today.
Jazz Band
This program engages third graders in the musical arts by offering weekly individual or small group lessons on a wide range of instruments, including piano, guitar, drums, ukulele, violin, triangle, and trumpet, encouraging them to express their talents, reach their highest potential, and grow into the brightest, most creative minds of the future.
Character Development
Our students will be participating in an interactive program linked to Common Core Standards and extending Maria Montessori’s grace and courtesy guidelines. The objectives for this program is to bring lessons in character development and conflict resolution through real and creative experiences found within various narratives and through discussion based dialogues.
Physical Education
Coach James Alfalla, who brings over 20 years of tennis experience, provides Physical Education twice a week and Tennis once a week through Tennis Approach, a program that uses its own eclectic method to introduce children to proper movement, games, and modern stroke techniques while supporting both naturally athletic students and those developing motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Spanish
Spanish is the language we study as our foreign language. The goal is for our students to acquire conversational skills by the end of the school year. Our approach to Spanish is immersive. Through the communicative approach, our students will be immersed in different contexts and situations where they will be required to use the target language to communicate their thoughts and ideas.
Library
The mission of the Library Program is to encourage students to become lifelong learners who are excited to read and research. Elementary students enjoy weekly visits to the school library for stories, educational and entertaining library programming, and book exchange. Students also have access to electronic resources, via laptops and DVD’s, so they can access the most up-to-date information on any given topic.
Art
Creative expression is essential to a Montessori education. Elementary students study various artists and their work to help nurture creativity. They explore different techniques and mediums through direct instruction and hands-on practice. Some of the artists we explore might include Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Keith Haring, Henri Rousseau, Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, Henri Matisse, Georgia O’Keeffe, Marc Chagall, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.
Assembly
Elementary students meet together once a week for an assembly to foster our community of learners. The assembly begins by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance/Pledge to the Earth, sing ‘You’re a Grand Old Flag’ and discuss a current topic of global interest.
