Strong Academic Foundation The Montessori curriculum includes language, math, geography, history, science, physical education, art, music, and technology. One thing is certain; innovative thinking, strong character, resiliency, curiosity, motivation and the belief that every one of us has a gift to offer and a responsibility to offer it will place our children in good stead. Real materials, living animals, personal research, and frequently food are vital parts of the lessons. Life skills, such as leadership, initiative, self-discipline, persistence, resiliency, communication, and confidence are part of EVERY lesson we offer. It is something rare, phenomenal, or special. We believe that this cooperative, mutual support, is perhaps their greatest gift to each other. In the early grades, our primary goal is to inspire and awe the students. Montessori education requires that each student be an active, curious, participant in this process of education. Typically our graduates have been accepted at all of the surrounding private, parochial, and public schools and many have been placed in gifted and talented programs. We do this with stories of how the universe began and how human history has evolved through the ages with all people, from all cultures, sharing common needs and goals. It is our hope to keep the flame of curiosity alive in every child and to support and guide them until such time as they are ready to offer their unique talents to the ongoing saga of human endeavor. It does not include a lot of textbooks, drills, or mindless repetition. Extraordinary is defined as beyond what is usual, ordinary, regular, or singular. Striking a balance between what we need and what we want guarantees both success and happiness. One example might be how we learn the parts of a plant. Subscribe to Our Blog Subscribe to be among the first to receive new blog posts from Apple Montessori Schools. This belief is at the core of every decision we make and every action we take as educators. Every year graduates all over the world are encouraged to follow their passions, find their niche, and be true to themselves, among many other platitudes. The older students develop interests in history, math, literature, science, culture, and many other subjects. About Us At our core, we are devoted to nurturing the whole child intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically and ethically — all in a caring, safe, and fun environment.{/INSERTKEYS}{/PARAGRAPH} We achieve this goal by making learning meaningful and personal. Cosmic Task No one knows what the future may hold for or require of our children. Life Skills for Tomorrow Montessori education is fundamentally different from traditional in that we believe, and base all of our decisions and actions on the belief, that children are natural learners. Within the peer group, students support one another and together they strive for excellence rather than mediocrity. As the children mature, so do their learning styles. Keeping a love of learning alive in ten and eleven year old children, while their peers in the outer world get distracted by so many other things including a false sophistication and academic stresses will indeed give our students the ultimate edge and the strongest academic foundation possible. {PARAGRAPH}{INSERTKEYS}Our 4 Cornerstones: Passion for Learning One does not receive an education; one achieves an education! Not all of our students are gifted and talented, however. Learning to work with, and respect others, will provide them with the skills and character traits so necessary for future success. It is not enough to fill young minds with endless facts and concepts. Day in and day out, each child is living in a learning community, using, honing, developing, and controlling skills that will empower them for the rest of their lives. Some have learning issues or challenges but in the supportive, non-critical society we have here at Apple, they still strive to do and be their best and are accepted by their peers as equals. Our academics are strong and our students are very well educated but academics alone will not prepare your child for his or her future. Each child, no matter how pretty or plain, smart or dull, motivated or not, is extraordinary. They are involved in many research projects, both individually and in cooperative groups.