Elementary


6 years old to 12 years old

Our charter (tuition-free) Elementary Program builds on the earlier Montessori experience and further develops good working habits, independence, self-assurance and the ability to concentrate. The elementary years are filled with rich experiences in math, language, science (botany to geography), art, music, history and sociology. The Montessori materials bring alive these areas while helping the child bridge the steps from concrete understanding to more abstract reasoning. Problem solving and critical thinking skills are further developed in all areas of the classroom and students are given a sense of connection and unity with their environment, the world and the universe.

KMS offers multi-aged classrooms with two three-year Elementary cycles. Our Lower Elementary program is equivalent to 1st through 3rd grades and our Upper Elementary program to 4th through 6th grades. The KMS Kindergarten program is part of our three-year (ages 3 to 6) Primary classrooms, and is offered at our Primary campus. An effective Montessori experience depends on the increased possibilities for self-paced learning in a classroom with a range of ages and stages of development.

Khalsa Montessori School believes that students within these programs should be placed individually according to ability and readiness rather than chronological age. Exact numbers of students at each grade level may vary but the school strives for a balance of ages in each classroom. The capacity of each classroom is from 14-30 students, with one Lead teacher and one or two Assistant teachers.

Classes and/or activities in Spanish, yoga, art and physical education are offered in the weekly curriculum. Extra-curricular classes vary each year, but normally include Art classes, Taiko, Creative Drama, and Karate. These programs are taught by professionals who are experts in their fields, while also being excellent teachers of young children.

Field trips are an integral part of our Montessori curriculum. Monthly field trips include visits to anthropological sights, science and activity museums, animal parks and area farms, local businesses, and desert parks. Yearly class trips have included a wide variety of educational and natural sites in Arizona and the Southwest. Khalsa’s location allows for visits to the Phoenix Public Library, Monterey Park, and downtown museums and cultural events. Field trip locations out of the valley include trips to the Tucson Desert Sonoran Museum, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Out of Africa, the Verde Valley Railway and an overnight ropes course in Prescott. There are fees to participate on the field trips.