A child’s early years–from birth to six–is the period when he or she has the greatest capacity to learn
and the greatest appetite for knowledge
It is what we, as adults, do during these critical years that lay the foundations for all of their future learning, including their sense of self, their confidence, self-esteem, respect, and interest in the people and world around them. We truly are educating them for life.
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The Montessori method is an enormously powerful, confidence-building approach to early education that focuses on a child’s immense capacity to absorb information when learning is driven by his or her own curiosity.
Our Montessori curriculum focuses on key developmental milestones in children between the ages of two and five years old.
Younger children (ages 2-3) focus on gaining independence, large motor control, and early language and communication skills.
Primary students (ages 3-4) build concentration, coordination, organization, and independence through repeated, sequential practical life activities in preparation for future academic work.
Older students (ages 5-6) begin to make connections between concrete and abstract concepts through the use of specialized didactic materials and meaningful learning experiences.
Charlotte Prep’s preschool is based on Montessori principles because we believe this is the most successful method to teach young children and the most effective way to enable them to reach their full potential.
Studies comparing outcomes of children educated at Montessori preschools with children who attended traditional preschool programs indicate that Montessori preschool curriculums lead to significant advantages in academic and social skills upon entering elementary school.
Our teachers are degree-educated and Montessori certified. We are members of the American Montessori Society and follow its guidelines as a basis for our program. Our preschool is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS).
“The hallways here are built just the right size to feel secure. If you go in our Early School, it’s a skinnier hall than the one at the Middle School. That intentionality to stay small and snug echoes through everything.”
—Early School Teacher
Resources
Sharon began her career in education over 24 years ago. She taught in Belen, NM and Dayton, OH before moving to Charlotte to teach at the Charlotte Montessori School, which at the time was a satellite location of Charlotte Prep. Sharon worked as both a teacher and administrator for 8 years before returning to the classroom in 2006 to teach in the Early School. In 2016, she returned to administration as the Head of Early School. Sharon believes in the Montessori philosophy as a way of life beyond just a classroom curriculum, and that as guides of young children, we should, “Follow the child.”
Information Video
Early School in Action
Oct30Growing Flexible ThinkersWhen we think about preparing young children for school, many parents focus on foundational academics, like counting or recognizing shapes, or social skills, such as sharing and communicating. While these are essential, there’s another skill that deserves equal attention: flexible thinking.
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Nov1Observations from the Early School PlaygroundNow that I am regularly walking to my office by going past the early school playground, I am having quite a few delightful interactions with students that, frankly, are often the highlight of my day.
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Jan3What is a Montessori "Prepared Environment"?Visitors to our Montessori early school at Charlotte Prep always remark about the beautifully organized classrooms and the calm, soothing atmosphere. Creating this kind of setting is a central component of the Montessori education called the “prepared environment.”
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Nov1Vestido de JaliscoOne of our teachers, Laura Torres, generously shared her culture with students in her early school classroom during National Hispanic Heritage Month.
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