Mixed-Age Classrooms
The Elementary years are split into two levels: Jr. El for students 6 to 9 years of age, or 1st-3rd grades, and Senior El for students 9 to 12 years of age, 4th-6th grades. Elementary children have remarkable intellectual capacity, strong social drive, and a powerful imagination that serves both cognitive and moral development. Elementary classrooms look very different from Primary classrooms, intentionally prepared to feed the insatiable fires of children’s curiosity.
Around age 12, humans experience another significant transition – the beginning of adolescence. Jr. High students, 7th and 8th grades, have very different needs and abilities and therefore require their own unique place in which to thrive. Jr. High is characterised by project-based learning; professional partnerships; exploration of identity and one’s place in the world.
Our comprehensive program offers consistency and continuity, guiding each individual to explore their vast potential and gain independence unique to each stage of development.
*Photos without masks were taken pre-Covid
Classroom Composition
Each classroom typically has one specially certified Lead Montessori Guide and one Assistant Guide. Montessori Guides complete rigorous, graduate-level training specific to the age group they teach. Escuela also has a team of professionals who teach Spanish, music, visual and performing arts – our Studio Guides.
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- Jr. Elementary class is 25 students.
- An ideal Senior Elementary class size is about 30, while adolescents benefit from an increase in adult support.
- Jr. High has a team of three dedicated adults as well as specialists and professional partners to support 10-15 students.
Effort is made to balance each classroom with regards to ages and genders. In the Elementary in particular, consideration is given to social dynamics and work partnerships, as well as continuation of family-Guide relationships.
What about life after Montessori?
After graduating from Jr. High, Escuela students have gone to a variety of different high schools, both public and private. Many have gone to Bosque, some to Sandia Prep or the Academy – all of our graduates have had their choice of schools to attend. Grads have also thrived at Amy Beal, a charter high school downtown. We even had a graduate commute to Santa Fe to attend a prestigious art school!
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Every student’s transition to High School is as unique as they are, and seeds planted in childhood will bloom at different times. Over the years we’ve heard from countless graduates and their parents, at different stages of life. Themes that ring true over and over are this: self-awareness, and the confidence this brings, strong communication skills, and a love of learning continue to serve students throughout their academic career and beyond. Strong academics are almost secondary, though certainly present, because when you know how to learn and how to advocate for yourself, you can accomplish remarkable things.
Follow this link to peruse a summary article from a recent alumni night.
Next Steps
Thank you for taking the time to learn about our unique program. If you are ready to apply, please complete this basic application and a member of our admissions team will follow up with you to share additional application materials specific to your child’s level. If you would like to schedule a campus tour or have additional questions, please respond to the email that directed you to this page. We look forward to connecting further!
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Why Should You Choose Montessori?
Montessori vs. Conventional Education
Language Development from Early Childhood through Early Adolescence offers a range of insights about our exceptional program.
Moving Up to Jr. El is a Leap Into Curiosity and Exploration
Learn more about Escuela Jr. High
