Overview of Program Levels
Free
Horizon Montessori offers educational programs for children age three
through 8th grade. Dr. Montessori identified four planes of development
that all people, regardless of culture, experience as they grow from
infancy to adulthood. Each plane, lasting approximately six years (birth
to age 6, ages 6 to 12, ages 12 to 18, and ages 18 to 24), has two
sub-planes of three years each. The first sub-plane consists of a time
of intense acquisition, followed by the second sub-plane of refinement
and internalization. Because she observed characteristics of each
sub-plane as so different from the others, Dr. Montessori believed that
schools would best serve students by grouping children by these
developmental planes rather than by single age or grade levels. Based on
this belief, FHM subscribes to mixed-age grouping in its classrooms.
The older children at each level naturally help the younger ones,
thereby deepening their understanding of concepts as well as developing
empathy and leadership. Younger students benefit from seeing higher
learning possibilities and working with role models close to their own
age.
Teachers at all levels serve as guides, allowing students to
pursue studies in areas of interest while ensuring overall broad
curricular experiences are met. In Montessori education, the teacher
provides opportunities for the minimums to be met while maximums are
determined solely by each student's imagination, desire to learn, and
effort toward realizing their goal. All programs meet and exceed
content standards as established by both Jeffco Public Schools and the
Colorado Department of Education.
Primary - Preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten
Refinement & Internalization
The
Primary program serves children age three to six. The plane of the
Absorbent Mind is characterized by the time during which a child's mind
is like a sponge, absorbing all that is within the environment.
Materials, lessons, and experiences within the Primary classroom are
designed to compliment the sensitive periods for development of order,
language acquisition, refinement of the senses, and movement.
Characterized by concrete thinking and fundamental formation of
character, children endeavor to work independently within a structured
environment doing real activities with an intelligent purpose and strive
for independence: "I can do it myself!"
Lower Elementary - 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade
Intense Acquisition
The
Lower Elementary program serves children age six to nine, traditionally
identified as 1st through 3rd graders. Lower Elementary students
continue on a strong academic continuum, with social interactions
becoming intensely important as they explore issues of fairness,
cooperation, and strive to make decisions for themselves. Lessons
provide an introduction to various concepts that are further acquired
through follow up work with the Montessori materials and additional
individual exploration.
Upper Elementary - 4th and 5th Grade
Refinement and Internalization
The
Upper Elementary program serves children age nine to eleven,
traditionally identified as 4th and 5th graders. Upper Elementary
students are ready for intense exploration of abstract concepts as well
as those of social justice, historical relevance, and each individual's
role within the greater community and society. Extended opportunities
for independent study of topics of interest allow students to be
inspired by and make connections with the overall curriculum.
Extended Learning Opportunities
Dr.
Montessori believed children gain knowledge through experiences in the
real world that are unable to be developed in the classroom. Through
"going out," students connect with their community and broaden their
personal and cultural understanding. Upper Elementary students take a
number of field trips related to curricular studies each year.
Middle School - 6th, 7th and 8th Grade
The
FHM Middle School is a progressive, holistic program founded upon a
developmental response to the needs and abilities of the whole
adolescent (physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and spiritual). The
curriculum, which is thorough, challenging, diverse, and integrated,
fosters student growth in all areas and prepares them for the challenges
they will face as leaders of tomorrow's world. Education at this level
continues the Montessori tradition of fully engaging, experiential
learning with an emphasis on leadership development, personal
responsibility, and rigorous preparation with 21st Century skills.
Whether in the classroom or out in the world in any number of
internships and off-campus trips, students immerse themselves in
meaningful, relevant real-life learning and graduate with the skills to
flourish in a variety of high school, college, and professional arenas.
Extended Learning Opportunities
Dr.
Montessori believed children gain knowledge through experiences in the
real world that are unable to be developed in the classroom. Through
"going out," students connect with their community and broaden their
personal and cultural understanding. Middle School students take an average of
one monthly field trips related to curricular studies in addition to a monthly excursion focused on community service. Our 6th
grade students also participate in Outdoor Education Week, a week-long resident camp experience where students engage in a
variety of activities designed to enhance scientific studies. All of our Middle School students take two curricular-related overnight trips annually.