LCM’s Elementary Montessori Program

Upper Elementary

Ages 9 years - 12 years

In our Upper Elementary program (Grades 4–6), students grow into thoughtful leaders—building independence, collaborating deeply, and tackling big ideas with confidence. This is where curiosity meets capability, and learning becomes truly self-directed.

Apply to the LCM
Upper Elementary
today

What to expect in our Upper Elementary classroom.

A curriculum designed for independent learners. Our Upper Elementary program serves 4th to 6th graders ready to take on abstract concepts, complex projects, and greater responsibility. This is where academic depth meets real-world relevance. Students will develop critical thinking skills that prepare them for future challenges.

Deep thinking, confident leadership, and academic mastery.

Inside the Montessori journey

A day in the life of our
thoughtful leaders

Independent thinkers

Students dive into research and inquiry, designing their own projects and discovering how learning connects to the real world.

Leadership in action

Older students mentor younger peers and take initiative in classroom life, from organizing events to solving community challenges.

Purposeful projects

Learning extends beyond the classroom through multi-week studies that blend research, creativity, and collaboration.

Building readiness

One-on-one check-ins with teachers help students set goals, reflect on progress, and celebrate their growth.

Accountability

Students build ownership of their learning through goal-setting, follow-through, and weekly one-on-one check-ins with teachers to reflect on progress and growth.

Ready for what’s next

By graduation, students are confident, capable, and curious — prepared for middle school and beyond.

Independent thinkers

Students dive into research and inquiry, designing their own projects and discovering how learning connects to the real world.

Leadership in action

Older students mentor younger peers and take initiative in classroom life, from organizing events to solving community challenges.

Purposeful projects

Learning extends beyond the classroom through multi-week studies that blend research, creativity, and collaboration.

Building readiness

One-on-one check-ins with teachers help students set goals, reflect on progress, and celebrate their growth.

Accountability

Students build ownership of their learning through goal-setting, follow-through, and weekly one-on-one check-ins with teachers to reflect on progress and growth.

Ready for what’s next

By graduation, students are confident, capable, and curious — prepared for middle school and beyond.
Apply today
Download Tuition Details

The Upper Elementary Curriculum

Literature & writing

Through novels, poetry, and essays, students develop a personal voice and analytical thinking that brings ideas to life.

Advanced Mathematics

Students explore algebra, geometry, and data analysis with hands-on materials before transitioning to abstract reasoning.

Cultural studies

Studies in history, geography, and world cultures foster awareness, empathy, and a sense of global citizenship.

Science

Experiments and field studies deepen understanding of the natural world, encouraging curiosity and problem-solving.

Creative expression

Art, music, and movement encourage individuality and balance — celebrating imagination as a vital part of intellectual growth.

Community Outreach

Service projects, mentorship, and classroom roles give students real responsibility and confidence in their abilities

Literature & writing

Through novels, poetry, and essays, students develop a personal voice and analytical thinking that brings ideas to life.

Advanced Mathematics

Students explore algebra, geometry, and data analysis with hands-on materials before transitioning to abstract reasoning.

Cultural studies

Studies in history, geography, and world cultures foster awareness, empathy, and a sense of global citizenship.

Science

Experiments and field studies deepen understanding of the natural world, encouraging curiosity and problem-solving.

Creative expression

Art, music, and movement encourage individuality and balance — celebrating imagination as a vital part of intellectual growth.

Community Outreach

Service projects, mentorship, and classroom roles give students real responsibility and confidence in their abilities

Literature & writing

Through novels, poetry, and essays, students develop a personal voice and analytical thinking that brings ideas to life.

Advanced Mathematics

Students explore algebra, geometry, and data analysis with hands-on materials before transitioning to abstract reasoning.

Cultural studies

Studies in history, geography, and world cultures foster awareness, empathy, and a sense of global citizenship.

Science

Experiments and field studies deepen understanding of the natural world, encouraging curiosity and problem-solving.

Creative expression

Art, music, and movement encourage individuality and balance — celebrating imagination as a vital part of intellectual growth.

Community Outreach

Service projects, mentorship, and classroom roles give students real responsibility and confidence in their abilities

Extracurricular Offerings

Our Montessori program offers a range of extracurriculars that support physical, creative, and social growth. Music, dance, and gymnastics encourage movement, coordination, and expression. Foreign language is introduced through playful daily exposure, and tennis builds focus, coordination, and sportsmanship. These activities reflect our commitment to nurturing the whole child, in line with Montessori philosophy.

Learning that comes to life

Children at this age dream big, and we help turn this into big work, often inspiring each other. Students have aspirations of large-scale projects and are invited to engage in expansive follow-up studies to lessons. They are immensely creative, with an ever-expanding intellect.

Passionate educators

At Little City Montessori, our educators are the heart of the classroom. Each teacher is trained in the Montessori method and deeply committed to seeing every child as capable, curious, and full of potential. They guide with patience and purpose, observing closely, inspiring independence, and creating an environment where learning feels joyful and meaningful. Their passion for nurturing the whole child shines through in every lesson, every conversation, and every quiet moment of discovery.

Hear from the parents who know Little City Montessori best

Little City always felt like home.
From morning greetings to empowering lessons, our daughter thrived. She gained independence, confidence, and empathy while developing real-world leadership skills. Little City nurtured her growth in every sense — academically and personally.
- 
Rachael
Little City Montessori’s elementary program has been an amazing experience for our family.
The teachers are thoughtful and create a space where kids feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. The community is strong, and the variety of extracurriculars encourages curiosity, confidence, and connection every day.
- 
Purva
Little City Montessori is an exceptionally special place.
The staff truly know each child and nurture them to be independent, curious, and kind. The environment is warm and supportive, a perfect balance of structure, compassion, and inspiration. We can’t imagine a better school for our kids.
- 
Kate
Little City Montessori has been such a bright spot for my child.
She loves going to school every day and returns home cheerful and full of stories. The teachers are joyful, trustworthy, and dedicated to creating a positive environment where every child feels safe and celebrated.
- 
Kai
Ellis has thrived at Little City since he joined just before his 3rd birthday.
His creativity and independence have flourished within a community that celebrates individuality. The Elementary program expanded his world, bringing new responsibility, leadership, and excitement for learning every day.
- 
Adrian
Little City always felt like home.
From morning greetings to empowering lessons, our daughter thrived. She gained independence, confidence, and empathy while developing real-world leadership skills. Little City nurtured her growth in every sense — academically and personally.
- 
Rachael
Little City Montessori’s elementary program has been an amazing experience for our family.
The teachers are thoughtful and create a space where kids feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. The community is strong, and the variety of extracurriculars encourages curiosity, confidence, and connection every day.
- 
Purva
Little City Montessori is an exceptionally special place.
The staff truly know each child and nurture them to be independent, curious, and kind. The environment is warm and supportive, a perfect balance of structure, compassion, and inspiration. We can’t imagine a better school for our kids.
- 
Kate
Little City Montessori has been such a bright spot for my child.
She loves going to school every day and returns home cheerful and full of stories. The teachers are joyful, trustworthy, and dedicated to creating a positive environment where every child feels safe and celebrated.
- 
Kai
Ellis has thrived at Little City since he joined just before his 3rd birthday.
His creativity and independence have flourished within a community that celebrates individuality. The Elementary program expanded his world, bringing new responsibility, leadership, and excitement for learning every day.
- 
Adrian
Little City always felt like home.
From morning greetings to empowering lessons, our daughter thrived. She gained independence, confidence, and empathy while developing real-world leadership skills. Little City nurtured her growth in every sense — academically and personally.
- 
Rachael
Little City Montessori’s elementary program has been an amazing experience for our family.
The teachers are thoughtful and create a space where kids feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. The community is strong, and the variety of extracurriculars encourages curiosity, confidence, and connection every day.
- 
Purva
Little City Montessori is an exceptionally special place.
The staff truly know each child and nurture them to be independent, curious, and kind. The environment is warm and supportive, a perfect balance of structure, compassion, and inspiration. We can’t imagine a better school for our kids.
- 
Kate
Little City Montessori has been such a bright spot for my child.
She loves going to school every day and returns home cheerful and full of stories. The teachers are joyful, trustworthy, and dedicated to creating a positive environment where every child feels safe and celebrated.
- 
Kai
Ellis has thrived at Little City since he joined just before his 3rd birthday.
His creativity and independence have flourished within a community that celebrates individuality. The Elementary program expanded his world, bringing new responsibility, leadership, and excitement for learning every day.
- 
Adrian
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Every lesson starts with a question.

All FAQs
Contact LCM
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.

What does the curriculum cover, and how does it prepare for middle school?

The curriculum emphasizes cosmic education, integrating math, science, history, and language through the Great Lessons. Students engage in self-directed research and abstract thinking, building critical skills. This interdisciplinary approach fosters independence, problem-solving, and collaboration, ensuring a strong foundation for middle school.

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 does the mixed-age classroom benefit my child in Upper Elementary?

The mixed-age classroom encourages peer teaching, leadership, and collaboration. Older students model skills, while younger ones gain inspiration, fostering a supportive community. This setup allows individualized pacing, enhances social skills, and promotes abstract thinking through group projects, preparing students for diverse social and academic settings.

How do you handle discipline and social development?

Discipline is managed through grace and courtesy lessons, community meetings, and self-regulation, emphasizing empathy and conflict resolution. Students develop social skills by navigating group dynamics in projects fostering moral reasoning and a sense of responsibility within a collaborative environment.

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.