Elementary Montessori Curriculum in Philadelphia

Diverse programs for ages: 18 months to 12 years

Montessori education is composed of five key areas, practical life, language, math, sensorial and cultural studies. Our teachers function as guides rather than instructors, providing tools and encouragement, while also allowing space for children to learn independently at their own pace.

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Explore our Programs
Six young girls with curly and straight hair happily hugging each other indoors.

Inside the Montessori journey
Where curiosity leads and learning begins

Two adults and four children engaged in a hands-on craft activity with newspaper and a white bucket in a classroom setting.
Sensorial
Sensorial work helps children explore the world through their senses—comparing textures, sounds, colors, and shapes. This process builds the foundation for organizing, classifying, and learning across subjects.
Group of children mixing ingredients in a metal bowl using a hand mixer and pouring liquid from a measuring cup.
Practical Life
Children build independence through real-life tasks like preparing snacks, caring for plants and animals, and resolving conflicts with kindness. These activities also strengthen fine and gross motor coordination.
Young child engaged in a hands-on math activity with Montessori materials including number cards and golden bead blocks.
Mathematics
With tactile materials, children explore numbers, place value, and operations like addition and multiplication. This concrete approach helps them understand math deeply, not just memorize facts.
Teacher in red outfit sitting cross-legged on the floor holding a globe, with two young boys sitting nearby, in a classroom setting.
Cultural Studies
Cultural work connects children to geography, history, and global traditions. Through maps, stories, and celebrations, they build awareness of different people, places, and perspectives.
Two adults and four children engaged in a hands-on craft activity with newspaper and a white bucket in a classroom setting.
Sensorial
Sensorial work helps children explore the world through their senses—comparing textures, sounds, colors, and shapes. This process builds the foundation for organizing, classifying, and learning across subjects.
Group of children mixing ingredients in a metal bowl using a hand mixer and pouring liquid from a measuring cup.
Practical Life
Children build independence through real-life tasks like preparing snacks, caring for plants and animals, and resolving conflicts with kindness. These activities also strengthen fine and gross motor coordination.
Young child engaged in a hands-on math activity with Montessori materials including number cards and golden bead blocks.
Mathematics
With tactile materials, children explore numbers, place value, and operations like addition and multiplication. This concrete approach helps them understand math deeply, not just memorize facts.
Teacher in red outfit sitting cross-legged on the floor holding a globe, with two young boys sitting nearby, in a classroom setting.
Cultural Studies
Cultural work connects children to geography, history, and global traditions. Through maps, stories, and celebrations, they build awareness of different people, places, and perspectives.
Two adults and four children engaged in a hands-on craft activity with newspaper and a white bucket in a classroom setting.
Sensorial
Sensorial work helps children explore the world through their senses—comparing textures, sounds, colors, and shapes. This process builds the foundation for organizing, classifying, and learning across subjects.
Group of children mixing ingredients in a metal bowl using a hand mixer and pouring liquid from a measuring cup.
Practical Life
Children build independence through real-life tasks like preparing snacks, caring for plants and animals, and resolving conflicts with kindness. These activities also strengthen fine and gross motor coordination.
Young child engaged in a hands-on math activity with Montessori materials including number cards and golden bead blocks.
Mathematics
With tactile materials, children explore numbers, place value, and operations like addition and multiplication. This concrete approach helps them understand math deeply, not just memorize facts.
Teacher in red outfit sitting cross-legged on the floor holding a globe, with two young boys sitting nearby, in a classroom setting.
Cultural Studies
Cultural work connects children to geography, history, and global traditions. Through maps, stories, and celebrations, they build awareness of different people, places, and perspectives.

Building healthy habits right at school

At Little City, we believe physical activity and enrichment should be part of the school day, not another item on your family’s to-do list. That’s why we integrate extracurriculars into our curriculum, giving children space to move, play, and explore during their regular school hours. From gymnastics to music to gardening, these offerings help lay the foundation for a healthy, active lifestyle from the very beginning.

From Toddler through Elementary

Our Montessori Programs

Toddler Program

Ages 18 months - 3 years
Our Toddler Montessori program provides a nurturing environment for our youngest learners, ages 18 months up to 3 years.
  • Toddlers explore safely designed spaces that support their drive to do things “all by myself.”
  • Daily songs, stories, and conversation help your child build vocabulary and social confidence.
  • Teachers guide gently through consistent rhythms that foster trust, focus, and self-regulation.
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Primary Program

Ages 3 years - 6 years
Our Pre-K and Kindergarten Montessori programs provide an elevated learning experience for students ages 3 to 6.
  • Montessori materials invite hands-on learning and deep concentration.
  • Early academics are introduced through play, pattern, and exploration.
  • Lessons in kindness and respect create a peaceful, caring community.
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Learn more

Lower Elementary

Ages 6 years - 9 years
Our Early Elementary Montessori program caters to students ages 6 to 9 looking to build upon their early Montessori education.
  • Big-picture stories spark wonder across science, history, and geography.
  • Group research builds curiosity, confidence, and creativity.
  • Students link classroom learning to meaningful, hands-on experiences.
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Learn more

Upper Elementary

Ages 9 years - 12 years
Our Upper Elementary Montessori program prepares students ages 9 to 12 to enter middle school and beyond.
  • Students research, experiment, and present their own work with pride.
  • Advanced math, writing, and science nurture problem-solving and insight.
  • Older students mentor peers and lead with empathy and purpose.
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Learn more

A Look Inside our Montessori Classrooms

Montessori materials are carefully structured in a sequence that leads a child toward ever more advanced knowledge. Contrary to a traditional preschool program where children are offered toys to play with or a K-12 environment where worksheets and memorization are primarily utilized, Montessori materials start simple and get progressively more complex. This approach allows for greater development of traits such as intrinsic motivation, critical thinking and love of learning.
White cubby shelf with various wooden and plastic children's toys including a stacking tower, shape sorter, and a wooden crate with a mallet.Man sitting cross-legged on a rug reading a colorful fish picture book to a young girl with a pink bow in her hair.
Two children wearing lab coats and protective goggles conducting a science experiment with test tubes and a funnel at a wooden table.A group of seven smiling children standing in front of a fountain in a sunny park, holding clipboards and backpacks.
Two young children working together on a writing activity at a classroom table.Child practicing handwriting with a pencil on a workbook at a desk surrounded by school supplies and a plush dragon toy.
Bright classroom with wooden children's furniture, shelves with educational materials, and large windows.Young boy in glasses and green shirt writing while seated at a classroom table with other children focused on their work.

Learning is about asking questions.

All FAQs
What extracurriculars does LCM offer?

Music, dance, art, foreign language, gymnastics, tennis, theatre, chess and more. It is all included in the tuition.

What is the daily schedule for Toddler students?

In addition to the school day schedule below, LCM also offers extended care from 7:30am to 5:15pm.

  • 8:20am Arrival
  • 8:40am Morning circle
  • 9:00am Montessori work cycle
  • 10:30am Outdoor time
  • 11:30am Extracurriculars
  • Noon Lunch
  • 12:45pm Nap
  • 3:00pm Dismissal

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What is the daily schedule for Primary students?

In addition to the school day schedule below, LCM also offers extended care from 7:30am to 5:15pm.

  • 8:20am Arrival
  • 8:40am Morning circle
  • 9:00am Montessori work cycle (includes lunch)
  • 12:30pm Gross motor development (outdoor time & extracurriculars)
  • 3:00pm Dismissal
Is there homework, and how much is assigned?

Homework is assigned at times to support deeper, independent learning rather than memorization or busy work. Homework focuses on meaningful tasks tied to classroom topics, such as research projects from Great Lessons.

How are advanced or struggling students supported in the classroom?

Montessori’s individualized approach supports all students. Teachers have the flexibility to tailor lessons to each child’s pace, offering challenging extensions as well as additional support.

How do you assess progress without grades or traditional tests?

Montessori upper elementary assesses progress through detailed teacher observations, student portfolios, and self-assessments, avoiding traditional grades. Narrative reports highlight mastery in subjects, abstract thinking, and research skills inspired by Great Lessons, fostering intrinsic motivation. At times we will employ standardized testing based on state requirements.

Can students start throughout the year?

Students start exclusively at the beginning of the academic year to ensure quality and continuity. The program is designed so they will benefit from being with the same teachers and classmates all year long.

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