Lower Elementary (Ages 6–9)

Where Wonder Meets Wisdom
and Faith Comes Alive

At Grace Montessori Academy, our Lower Elementary program (Grades 1–3) is where your child’s curiosity deepens, their questions grow bigger, and their learning becomes truly meaningful. In this critical stage of development, children begin to explore the world through imagination, inquiry, and purpose — all within a Christ-centered, nurturing environment.

“Grace Montessori Academy didn’t just educate our son; they gave him a renewed sense of self and a chance to thrive despite his challenges.”

— GMA Parent

Why the Lower Elementary Years Matter

Children ages 6–9 are naturally driven to explore the world around them. At this age, they move from concrete understanding to abstract thinking, from memorizing facts to making connections. Our Montessori approach — paired with a biblical worldview — helps children build a solid academic foundation while developing their God-given gifts and sense of purpose.

At Grace Montessori, your child will:

Learn at their own pace through individualized, mastery-based instruction

Build strong character and a personal relationship with God

Engage in hands-on exploration across all academic disciplines

Experience daily one-on-one mentoring and encouragement

Discover how all knowledge is beautifully connected through God’s design

“It is such a relief as a parent to send your child to school knowing that they love it. This is a direct result stemming from his teacher’s individualized care and interest in their students.”

— GMA Parent

A Living Curriculum

Academics in Action

Our Lower Elementary curriculum is structured to activate both the intellect and imagination of every student. Through integrated, hands-on learning and the inspiring framework of the Great Lessons, children begin to see how science, math, history, and language all fit together in a grand, God-authored story.

Language + Literacy
  • Phonics-based reading 
  • Literature studies
  • Leveled reading program
  • Sentence structure, grammar, and vocabulary
  • Foundational writing instruction 

 

“Students don’t just learn to read — they learn to think, express, and communicate with clarity.”

Mathematics
  • Hands-on exploration of the decimal system, operations, fractions, and geometry
  • Progression from concrete materials to abstract reasoning
  • Personalized pacing ensures mastery before moving on
  • Math facts memorization with engaging games and tools

 

“Children don’t memorize math — they understand it.”

Culture, Science + Geography
  • The Great Lessons — five foundational stories that spark awe and lifelong inquiry
  • Physical and political geography: continents, landforms, and map skills
  • Botany and zoology: classification, plant parts, and animal habitats
  • Physical science: light, simple machines, weather, and more
  • History through storytelling: ancient civilizations, time, and the solar system

 

“Our students explore the world as scientists, historians, and storytellers — all through the lens of faith.”

Faith Formation
  • Daily integration of biblical truth and God’s character across subjects
  • Devotions, praise and worship, Bible memory, and stories of the Bible
  • Emphasis on gratitude, service, and moral responsibility
  • Faith is not a subject — it's a way of life
Enrichment + Extracurriculars
  • Spanish
  • Music
  • Visual Art
  • Physical Education
  • Field Trips
  • Community Service Outreach

The Montessori Difference

Here’s what makes our Montessori approach distinct:

Each student is guided by the same teacher for three years — a trained Montessori generalist who knows your child’s strengths, interests, and needs. This deep, trusting relationship allows for personalized instruction and mentorship.

Students progress through the curriculum as they’re ready — not according to arbitrary grade levels. This encourages confidence, responsibility, and a lifelong love of learning.

Our spacious Lower Elementary classrooms are carefully designed to spark curiosity and independence. Each area is filled with beautiful, hands-on materials that help students explore math, language, science, and more with focused attention.

Every child meets with their teacher regularly to review progress, set goals, and receive encouragement. This individual attention is a cornerstone of our program.

“The Montessori teaching environment was the perfect blend of education and personal accountability.”

— GMA Parent

student success

Outcomes that Matter

By the end of the Lower Elementary cycle, students are confident learners, compassionate classmates, and grounded individuals who see their learning as part of a greater purpose. They leave with:

Frequently Asked Questions

Our curriculum is individualized and mastery-based, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Learning is hands-on, integrated across subjects, and grounded in both Montessori methods and Christian truth.

The Great Lessons are five foundational stories that introduce children to the universe, life on Earth, humans, language, and numbers. These stories inspire wonder and spark inquiry, tying all academic subjects into one big picture of God’s design.

Yes. In Montessori education, Lower Elementary students in Grades 1–3 learn together. This multi-age setting encourages peer mentoring, collaboration, and individualized instruction based on readiness—not age alone.

We use regular observations, work samples, and individual progress tracking to ensure each child is mastering key concepts. The focus is on growth, understanding, and readiness to move forward—not letter grades.

Take a tour

Could you picture your child thriving at Grace?

Ready to learn more? Schedule a tour and see the difference Montessori can make!