Montessori grows with your child
Children learn best in environments that match their stage. Each program builds independence, focus, and joy in learning, with more responsibility and bigger work as they grow.
You will see mixed ages, hands-on materials, and choice within consistent boundaries in every room.
Ages 4 months to 3 years
The Infant/Toddler Program serves as an introduction to the Montessori philosophy and is a great prerequisite for our Early Childhood program.
This program offers a rich, safe and loving environment where the children are encouraged to develop motor and social skills, experiment with the practice of self skills, and discover colors, shapes, textures, sounds, smells and tastes. The classroom and curriculum are carefully prepared to meet the needs of the young child without being overly stimulating.
We ask that your child be able to separate from the primary adult in their life. Toilet learning, in cooperation with the parents, is part of our curriculum for children still in diapers.
Infant & Toddler
The Early Childhood Program, for ages 3 to 6 years old, allows the child to focus upon ordering their environment and to become familiar with academic concepts through concrete manipulation. A love of learning results which prepares the child for a lifetime of education. Maria Montessori called this period, from age 3-6, the Absorbent Mind.
The classroom is divided into several different areas (Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Culture) and within these areas, the exercises are logically organized from simple ideas to the complex, and from concrete to the abstract. Each area has hands-on materials which are geometrically shaped, simply designed, aesthetic, and suitable for small hands. Interaction with these high-quality materials, rewards the child with a range of sensorial experiences.
Practical Life
The Practical Life exercises enable the children to learn self-control, both mental and physical. The children prepare snacks, scrub tables, learn how to buckle, snap, tie, zip, pour liquids, water plants, and, in general, take care of themselves, their environment, and each other. The Practical Life exercises appeal to the child's natural desire for independence and order at this age.
Early Childhood
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Sensorial
We have an extensive number of sensorial materials that help to enhance the child's understanding of his or her physical environment through manipulation of materials which isolate certain aspects of that environment, such as color, sound, taste, smell, touch and spatial relationships.
Language
The Language work of the child begins at birth — the child hears the spoken language and begins the development necessary for assimilation. Young children learn through movement, and the sandpaper letters help them learn the phonetic sounds of the alphabet not only through sight but through touch. Reading and writing are complex skills which are built upon all the experiences of the young child and which usually occur naturally and spontaneously in the Montessori environment.
Math
The use of manipulative materials enables the child to internalize concepts of numbers, symbols, sequence, operations and memorization of basic facts.
Culture
Children are introduced to the basics of geography, history, life sciences, earth sciences, music, art and movement.
Our Elementary I Program, for ages 6 to 9 years of age (grades 1-3), offers respect for the individual in a classroom designed to meet the needs of children from the ages of six through nine. It covers the traditional grades of first through third in a multi-sensory, multi-aged classroom.
As in the Early Childhood program, elementary children are encouraged to share and celebrate accomplishments with one another and to work together to resolve problems. At the same time, they are given absorbing tasks and an opportunity to work independently. In this way they learn to celebrate their individuality while developing an understanding and respect for the other members of their classroom community. Using materials from the concrete to the abstract, children explore a diverse curriculum barely limited by their imagination. The teacher guides, focuses and directs the inquiry as each child develops individually.
Although students work at their own pace, they still participate in a very academic environment with high standards and expectations. Morning curriculum involves Math, Language, Reading, and Geography. Afternoon class involves the Arts, Music, Sciences, Practical Life, and Healthy Lifestyles.
Cooperation and respect for others is fostered through role-playing and group discussions.
Elementary 1
The Elementary II Program, for ages 9 to 12 years of age (grades 4-6), allows the child to focus upon ordering their mind and become familiar with abstract academic concepts.
A myriad of opportunities are provided so that there is no limit to academic or developmental achievement. The students look forward to working independently and relying on their own time management skills to accomplish daily work, homework, and projects. But they still need their teacher to guide them as they move from concrete to abstract thinking. The Montessori materials so prevalent in the Elementary 1 program gradually disappear as students advance to more sophisticated learning. Children make interdisciplinary connections, develop investigative and creative writing skills, and expand their math skills.
While continuing to foster independence and individual responsibility, teachers guide the students through a balanced academic curriculum including Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, Geography, Physical Education, History, Music, Foreign Language, Computers, and Art.
One day a week is dedicated to Experiential Learning. Students learn by experiencing our community through educational field trips and performing service projects.
Our Elementary 2 students have the opportunity to participate in frequent field trips. As well as, each year participating in a 4-5 day class trip.
Elementary 11
Our Journey Montessori’s Middle School Program, for ages 12-14 (grades 7 & 8), is designed for motivated, independent learners. In accordance with the Montessori philosophy, we provide a stimulating, non-competitive environment to foster students’ love of learning and awareness of the world at large, as well as their sense of confidence in their role as contributing members of society.
Students work in multi-age groups on developmentally appropriate and increasingly complex activities that foster critical thinking, individual self-expression, group interaction, and communication. Our program offers students enhanced opportunities for in-depth study and exploration of individual interests.
The Middle School program seeks the empowerment of adolescents by encouraging both individual responsibility and cooperative skills. Students participate in community service projects, mentor younger children, and have frequent field trips to places of interest in the Salt Lake community.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in a 4-5 day end of year trip.
Middle School
June - August
For children ages 18 months and up
Students do not need to be enrolled at Our Journey Montessori School to attend summer child care.
What Makes Our Summer Program Special
Engaging weekly themes with creative, hands-on activities
Beautiful, spacious outdoor environment for exploration and play
Strong academic foundation with individualized learning to prevent the “summer slide”
Small class sizes and hands-on Montessori materials
A relaxed, friendly, and fun atmosphere
Learning through play and memorable experiences
Structured activities on regular week days
Weekly field trips for students ages 3 and up
Convenient Before & After Care available from 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM