Elementary Program
In keeping with the Montessori philosophy, Sunrise Montessori Elementary Programs offer an integrated approach to learning with opportunity to explore topics that capture the student's imagination. Our Elementary program is designed to lead the students to abstract work - more writing, dialogue, and skill in the process of exploration. Students naturally want to learn about language and humanities because it is an area they are learning and developing for themselves in their own social interaction. Communication is a strong social need at this level, as is the enthusiasm to understand more about the immediate and broader worlds of which they are a part.
The primary goal of the Elementary Program is to empower children to become confident, competent students. The Elementary classroom, designed for children ages 6 to 11, is a unique work environment in which instruction begins with concrete realities, adding one difficulty at a time, moving sequentially into abstract theory. The development of critical thinking skills occurs naturally in this type of environment. Active learning with hands-on tasks supports the growth of social skills, reflection and the ability to "figure things out" -- qualities needed throughout life.
In order to accommodate a multi-age range, and to facilitate students of diverse learning styles, our elementary curriculum is highly enriched and designed to cover a comprehensive range of interests and abilities. The learning environment is carefully structured for challenge and success at all levels. The teacher uses a student’s curiosity, imagination, social skills and sense of community as natural motivators for learning.
Montessori materials at this level are used to promote classification and organization of information. Students continue to learn through experience and discovery. They explore the wider community through visits, field trips, and community service. They are responsible for planning activities within and outside the school. They do their own research, analyze their information and reach their own conclusions. By the end of the Elementary program, students are expected to be independent learners who have learned how to learn.
Younger students are stimulated by the work that their older classmates do, while older students have an opportunity to develop strong leadership skills, role model, and mentor within the group. The multi-age classroom provides a sense of stability to the students, who ideally will work with the same teacher for three years. This is also the age when the child develops a moral sense, learning what is right and wrong. He sorts out what is "good" and "bad" and what is "fair" and "not fair." He strives to find how he can play an important and meaningful role in life.
Our teachers are not "forcing students to regurgitate facts," however, there are sufficient regular spelling and math tests, etc., so that these automatic skills are practiced and evaluated. Academic success is reported to parents through Progress Reports, parent interviews, and the annual Stanford Achievement Test, which reports national percentile scores. Students have the attitude of checking their own work and learning more as they move ahead through individual effort with personal attention from the teacher.
Elementary Curriculum
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Sunrise Elementary Curriculum is a continuation of the Montessori educational experience. Students attending the elementary programs acquire a strong foundation in academic skills and a genuine love of learning. The elementary children are given opportunities to work together or alone to pursue individual or group interests. Their teacher facilitates creativity, independent thinking, and personal responsibility.
There are seven areas of focus:
1. Language (including Foreign languages)
2. Mathematics
3. Science / Zoology / Botany
4. Social and Cultural Studies
5. History
6. Geography
7. Social Skills
Language : Development of language skills are developed by oral practice, such as reading aloud, debating and public speaking skills. Vocabulary enrichment and complex sentence structure are encouraged; as well as through the written form, such as journals, reports, stories, letters and memos and compositions. Creative writing is enriched through the use of appropriate vocabulary, complex sentence structure, spelling, grammar and punctuation errors. Language is seen as the thread that runs through every aspect of the integrated Montessori curriculum. The students are constantly engaged in projects that require copious written work. Their ability to research and classify information demands a sophisticated level of language competence. In addition to studying English, French is conducted daily and Mandarin lessons only once a week.
Mathematics : This is broken down further into arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and trigonometry. Mastering laws of mathematics can be fascinating as children learn to associate it across practical activities, like reading maps, measurements, cooking, astronomy, history, counting money, etc. Concepts are presented impressionistically, using manipulative materials. Children learn to internalize these concepts, as they relate to whole, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, algebra, and moving progressively towards even more complex mathematical formulas and concepts under the same topics. The math curriculum is designed to meet all academic learning styles and abilities. Some students may be ready for an introduction to curriculum activities while others may want to explore in-depth study. Student’s progress at their own pace and emphasis is placed on achieving your best at all times.
Science : This includes the studies of life science, physical science and earth science. The science curriculum is designed to familiarize students with the fundamental principles of scientific investigation, strengthen their powers of observation and critical thinking, and explore the basic concepts in the fields of biology, physical science, astronomy and earth sciences. We encourage students to explore the outdoor environment by enjoying organic gardening, planting, Observing birds, reptiles, insects and mammals in their natural habitat, recognizing trees, flowers, birds and wildlife in the local area. There is no limit to subject matter. Students are encouraged to use their curiosity as a springboard for research and experimentation. Students are equipped with skills in order to research and explore.
Social and Cultural Studies : This discipline includes the study of geography and history. The geography curriculum is designed to show how the physical configurations of the earth contribute to history. It includes a study of physical geography, political geography, and economic geography. The history curriculum follows the development of the solar system, the life of earth, the development of humankind, early civilizations and recorded history. The goal is for the child to see the long labour of humankind that was needed to accomplish all that is enjoyed today. Research skills, evaluation and organization are duly emphasized.
History : Montessori history treats all acts in the drama of creation as being part of a divine play. Stories and timelines reveal that the creation of the earth and evolution of its species took millions of years; this drama continues to unfold. The geological and scientific processes which were set in motion to act out and perpetuate this play are explored. Such lessons enliven the imagination of children while building a framework within which all other studies will fit. The students research topics ranging from early civilizations, political structures, world religions, humanity, etc.
Geography : This is the story of the earth being formed. The children learn about oceans, continents, countries, capitals, major cities, rivers, mountains, populations, economics and agriculture. They explore the creation of the Universe, solar system, earth, and scientific laws that govern them. Students are encouraged to investigate the significance of rivers, lakes, mountains, deserts and natural resources. Research land, air and water phenomena; volcanoes, earthquakes, avalanches, typhoons, tornadoes, and tidal waves. They explore the how, why and where of these phenomena as well as the methods used to forecast and measure them. Geography also considers the adaptations that humans have made in order to survive in the geographical conditions in which they were placed.
Social Skills : Children at this age demonstrate an intense desire to develop strong connections with their peers. They take increasing responsibility for their own conduct in personal relationships as well as in caring for the environment. Questions of right and wrong are considered in group interactions, which serve as arenas to express issues and feelings. These discussions also allow rules and procedures to be developed in order to recognize and respect others. This is the stage during which the child's sense of justice is formed, and those experiences help children build and internalize a moral code. Students yearn to be a part of the greater community outside their family and school and enjoy the practical applications such as community service and fund-raising events, showing courtesy and consideration for others, learn appropriate strategies for working harmoniously with others, among many other skills.
Hours Of Tuition
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| 5 Full Days | Monday to Friday | 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | |
| 5 Full Days (Extd.) | Monday to Friday | 7:15 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | |
| Books & Materials | **** | **** | $ 290.00 / year |
| NOTES: | |||
| 1. Late Pick Up Charges – Extra Fees (each day) | $ 5.00 – from 6:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. an additional charge of $ 1.00 per minute after 6:15 p.m. |
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| 2. Snacks & Meal (Lunch only) per day is available at | • $60.00 per month (based on 5 day plan) • $45.00 per month (based on 3 day plan) |
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| 3. Deposit – We require a $100.00 deposit (non refundable) to reserve a space for your child. The deposit will be applied to your last month of the Child program fees. All other fees must be provided in post-dated cheques to complete registration. | |||
Methods of Payment
One time non-refundable Registration Fee: $100.00 |
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Option 1:
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Option 2:
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Late Fees and Returned Cheques
There is a $30.00 charge for handling returned cheques. If scheduled payments are more than 30 days in arrears, the school may not release academic records or may not permit the student to attend class.
Sixty (60) days written notice is required in the event of early withdrawal from the school.
Admission Priority
Families with young children are admitted to Sunrise Montessori School Elementary program on a first come first serve basis.
Priority is given as follows:
1) Siblings of children already attending any of the school’s programs
2) Young children of staff of Sunrise Montessori School
3) The public community
Prior to acceptance, as required by the York Region Health Department, parents of each child must have an up to date record of the child’s health immunizations.
Daily Schedule
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| 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Montessori Activities |
| 8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. | Circle Time |
| 8:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Language / Science / Social & Cultural Studies |
| 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Snack Time |
| 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Geography / History |
| 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch Time |
| 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Zoology / Botany / Arts & Craft |
| 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Mathematics / French / Mandarin |
| 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Snack Time |
| 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Extended Hours – Includes a mix of Computers / Arts & Craft / Playground Time |