Elementary School (6-12 Years)

RMS Elementary Program is a natural continuation of our Primary Program. It reiterates the fact that Montessori is not simply for pre-school students but is an entire approach to learning. This is why we emphasize the importance of children starting at RMS as young as possible and continuing through graduation from our Middle School.

The Elementary Program consists of two levels: Lower Elementary (the equivalent of 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades) and Upper Elementary (4th, 5th and 6th grades). All the academic subjects are taught in an integrated fashion tailored to the changing characteristics of the six-to-12 year old students.

Although language and mathematics are central to the elementary curriculum, they are also indirectly experienced and reinforced through work in culturally based subjects: history, geography, life science, physical science and environmental science. In addition, the specialty teachers (art, science, technology, Spanish, music, physical education) work closely with the classroom teachers to integrate their work into the general themes studied in class.

Concrete learning materials first encountered by the child in the primary classroom continue to reinforce certain concepts as the elementary student progresses toward abstract knowledge and understanding.

Lessons are presented individually and to small groups based on personal observation of the students by the teacher. As is true throughout RMS, each class contains a multi-age grouping spanning roughly three years. Thus continuity is established and a strong rapport and understanding develops between child and teacher.

This family grouping gives the student an opportunity to have his or her role change from youngest to oldest while learning from and helping others.

The Stanford Achievement Test (results may be requested) is given to our elementary students each spring. This helps them acquire the valuable skill of test taking and indicates to both teachers and parents what the child's progress is relative to previous tests and scores of other children throughout the country.

The RMS elementary curriculum has been evaluated in detail by the staff to ensure that it incorporates Virginia Department of Education Standards of Learning (SOLs).

Parent conferences are scheduled three times annually. Parents may make an appointment to observe their child's classroom through the Admissions Office.