Montessori Preschool & Elementary in Poway, CA
Lower Elementary · Grades 1–3
Montessori Lower Elementary in Poway
Long work periods, small-group lessons and real research projects for grades 1–3, at each child’s pace.
Prefer to talk first? Call (858) 673-1756
- Grades 1–3
- 1:10 teacher–student ratio
- Care 7:30–6:00
- WASC accredited
Lower Elementary at a glance
- Grades
- 1st through 3rd grade
- Starting age
- At least 6 years old by September 1
- Classroom
- Multi-age, three-year cycle
- Class
- Eagles
- Ratio
- 1 teacher for every 10 students
- Teachers
- Credentialed Montessori teachers
- School day
- 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Extra care
- Before- and after-school child care, 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Enrichment
- Spanish, music, art, P.E. and digital literacy
- Field trips
- Such as Birch Aquarium, the Natural History Museum, the Carlsbad Flower Fields and, in third year, a Floating Lab marine science trip
- Campus
- Three acres with large playgrounds
- School type
- Private, nonprofit Montessori school, WASC accredited
Building on Early Childhood
What students learn in grades 1–3
Students expand their skills through longer work cycles, small-group lessons and collaborative projects. Hands-on Montessori materials guide them from concrete understanding to abstract thinking.
Mathematics
Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, from hands-on materials to memorized facts. Place value into the billions, fractions, money and making change, time, measurement, graphs, word problems and early pre-algebra.
Geometry
Lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals and polygons, then similarity, congruence, area and perimeter.
Reading and writing
Phonics, word study and spelling, leveled reading and literature groups, journals and creative writing that grows from simple stories to informative and persuasive pieces with outlines and editing.
Grammar and speaking
The function of each part of speech, the four types of sentences and sentence analysis, plus poetry recitals and public speaking. Print handwriting, then cursive.
Zoology and botany
Vertebrates and invertebrates, how animals and plants live and function, classification, gardening and guided research reports.
History and timelines
From a personal timeline of each child’s life to calendars, Roman numerals and the great Montessori timelines of the Earth and of life.
Geography and earth science
Land and water forms, two continents each year, the atmosphere and water cycle, maps with latitude and longitude, the solar system and the layers of the Earth, with hands-on physics experiments.
Practical life and community
Food preparation, sewing, animal care and caring for the classroom. Students read to and escort our younger Early Childhood students, and practice grace, courtesy and peace.
Personal growth
Concentration, finishing tasks, using time well and staying organized, along with cooperation, respect for the group and leadership.
Highlights, year by year
A sampling of what students explore in each year of the three-year cycle. Every child moves at their own pace.
First year
- Addition and subtraction facts
- Place value to the thousands
- Coins, time and simple graphs
- Phonics and print handwriting
- Nouns, verbs and complete sentences
- The five classes of vertebrates
- A personal timeline
Second year
- Multiplication facts
- Place value to the millions
- Equivalent fractions and making change
- Cursive handwriting begins
- Prepositions, adverbs and the four types of sentences
- Invertebrates and beginning research
- Roman numerals and the calendar
Third year
- Division, multiples and factors
- Place value to the billions and pre-algebra
- Area and perimeter
- Informative and persuasive writing
- Sentence analysis
- Animal classification and research reports
- The Timeline of Life and latitude and longitude
- The island project
- A Floating Lab marine science field trip
A typical day in Lower Elementary
The day balances focused learning, group collaboration and enrichment.
Morning meeting
Community gathering, pledge, calendar and daily goals.
Great work period
Extended time for individual lessons, small-group instruction and reading groups.
Lunch and recess
Shared meals and outdoor play for social development and balance.
Afternoon work and enrichment
Spanish, music, art, P.E. and cultural studies on a rotating schedule.
Classroom care and dismissal
Students share classroom responsibilities before dismissal or after-school care.
Enrichment every week
Spanish
Vocabulary, conversation and cultural awareness through interactive lessons.
Music
Rhythm, singing and percussion, plus school-wide performances such as the annual Spring Fling.
Art
Creativity and self-expression through drawing, painting and hands-on projects.
Physical education
Fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship through active games and skill-building.
Digital literacy
Typing, safe and responsible internet use, online research and digital citizenship.
30-second look
Step inside our Elementary classrooms
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google
What CMS families say
“CMS does a great job of providing hands-on learning in a way that accelerates education and makes it fun, while instilling self direction, confidence, and accountability.”
“They were so confident—making eye contact with everyone in the room and sharing how the school shaped them.”
“Our child has been instilled with an incredible love of learning. She enjoys the Montessori materials and the new challenges in working with the materials at higher grade levels.”
Partnering with families
Parent–teacher conferences, progress updates and school events keep families active partners in each child’s growth.
Next stop: Upper Elementary
After third grade, students move up to our Upper Elementary Owls class for grades 4–5, with leadership roles, research projects and preparation for middle school.
Lower Elementary questions
What grades are included in Lower Elementary?
Grades 1–3 learn together in our multi-age Lower Elementary classroom, the Eagles.
How old does my child need to be for first grade?
Students should be at least 6 years old by September 1 of the school year.
What is the teacher–student ratio?
Elementary classrooms have a 1:10 teacher–student ratio.
What are the school hours?
The Elementary day runs 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Before- and after-school care is available from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
How is learning individualized?
Teachers present lessons based on each child’s readiness. Students work independently or in small groups and progress at their own pace.
What enrichment classes are included?
Spanish, music, art, P.E. and digital literacy are part of the weekly schedule.
How long is the daily work period?
Students have extended morning and afternoon work cycles, which allow deep concentration and mastery.
What field trips do Lower Elementary students take?
Trips may include Birch Aquarium, the Natural History Museum, the Carlsbad Flower Fields and other cultural sites. Third-year students also take a Floating Lab field trip for hands-on marine science experiments.
Is Country Montessori a private school?
Yes. CMS is a private, nonprofit Montessori school in Poway, serving children from age 2½ through 5th grade since 1989. We are WASC accredited and a full member of the American Montessori Society, with a 1:10 teacher–student ratio in Elementary.
How much is Elementary tuition?
Current tuition is listed on our Tuition & Admissions page.
Can I bring my child on the tour?
Yes, children are welcome on tours. Book a tour online or call (858) 673-1756.
See Lower Elementary in person
Come observe a work cycle, small-group lessons and our Eagles students at work.
12642 Monte Vista Rd, Poway · (858) 673-1756
Our other programs
Ages 2½–6
Preschool & Kindergarten
Our Early Childhood program builds independence, focus and confidence through hands-on work.
Explore Early Childhood →
Grades 4–5
Upper Elementary
Leadership, research projects and advanced academics that prepare students for middle school.
Explore Upper Elementary →
Ages 2½ through 5th grade
Summer Camp
Weekly themes such as sports, science, adventure and creativity, led by experienced CMS educators.
See a sample schedule →