ELEMENTARY PROGRAM (AGES 6 - 9 and 9-12)

Building Independence & Big Ideas

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Puddletown’s elementary community nurtures curiosity, independence, and responsibility through a mixed-age Montessori learning environment. Children engage in small group lessons, collaborative projects, and independent work that integrate core academics with hands-on exploration. Our approach builds capable confidence, deep self-knowledge, and a strong sense of community.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Early Care: 7:30 AM rolling drop-off (limited spaces)

School Day: 8:20 AM–3:10 PM

After Care: 3:00–5:30 PM (drop-in available with 24 hrs notice)

Enrichment Programs: Offered periodically until 4:30–4:45 PM

A DAY IN ELEMENTARY

7:30 AM: Early Care (optional)
8:20 AM: Arrival, journaling, and start of work cycle
8:20–11:30 AM: Morning work time: independent work, group lessons, follow-up projects
11:30–11:45 AM: Clean-up and transition
11:45 AM–1:00 PM: Lunch & outdoor time at Berkeley Park or on campus
1:00–3:00 PM: Afternoon work time: lessons, collaboration, independent study
3:10 PM: Dismissal
3:00–5:30 PM: After Care (optional)

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Integrated Learning
Elementary learners are eager to understand the universe and their place in it. Our curriculum builds connections between subjects through storytelling, research, and hands-on activities. At the start of each year, we introduce the Five Great Stories, which inspire curiosity and guide studies across all areas.

The Five Great Stories

  1. The Creation of the Universe

  2. The Coming of Life

  3. The Story of Human Beings

  4. The Development of Literacy

  5. The Development of Numeracy

Subject Areas

  • Science (biology, earth science, astronomy, chemistry)

  • History & physical geography

  • Language

  • Mathematics & geometry

  • Arts, music, drama, and physical fitness

Going Out
Learners plan and lead trips to extend their studies beyond the classroom—whether visiting museums, libraries, parks, or local businesses. This fosters independence, responsibility, and practical life skills.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Puddletown is proud to learn from and work with a variety of local and national organizations. These include, but are not limited to: