HPMS CURRICULUM

HPMS values Dr. Montessori's thought that children learn differently than adults. Children use all five of their senses, effortlessly absorb knowledge from the environment and have "sensitive periods" for learning that coincide with human development.

At HPMS, classrooms are mixed-age, mixed ability communities where younger children learn from older children. The older role models master concepts by teaching them to younger children. The older children also learn social responsibility as they are expected to help and teach the younger children, who tend to admire them as the leaders of the classroom community.

Areas of the classroom include: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, History/Geography, Science and Art. Each area is carefully arranged so every child will experience a logical sequence of lessons to meet their individual needs.

Most lessons are presented to an individual child, or to a small group of children. After receiving a lesson, children are given time to explore and work with the materials on their own. Montessori materials are self-correcting. This allows children to learn to solve problems and be independent learners, thus thinkers. Large group lessons are presented to all children as a community building tool.

In a Montessori manner, HPMS assumes that children have an innate love of learning and teach themselves by interacting with the environment carefully prepared by certified Teachers.

In addition to the Montessori curriculum, HPMS offers small group lessons in Literacy Enrichment, Art, Music and Yoga.

To learn more about the educational program at HPMS, please call 201-533-1910.