Elementary

Learning How to Think
(6 - 12 years)

Montessori Elementary Program (Ages 6–12) | Aquinas Montessori School – Mount Vernon Campus


At Aquinas Montessori School’s Mount Vernon Campus in Alexandria, Virginia, our Montessori Elementary program serves children ages 6 to 12 in a rich, dynamic, and intellectually stimulating environment. Families in Fairfax County, Fort Hunt, Belle Haven, and Old Town Alexandria choose our program for its strong academics and whole-child development. Building on the foundation laid in the Primary years (ages 2.5–6), the Elementary child’s request becomes, “Help me to understand the world!”



A Cosmic Education: Inspiring Lifelong Learners

Between the ages of 6 and 12, children become curious, imaginative thinkers who want to understand the world around them. Our Alexandria Montessori elementary curriculum meets this need by offering interdisciplinary, experience-based learning designed to spark curiosity and foster a love of learning.


Guided by the foundational Montessori principle of “cosmic education,” children are introduced to the universe and their place within it. Through storytelling, impressionistic charts, and hands-on materials, students explore subjects such as:


  • Mathematics and geometry

  • Language arts and creative writing

  • Science and biology

  • Geography and history

  • Art, music, and cultural studies



A Child-Centered Approach to Learning

At Aquinas Montessori School, elementary students work in multi-age classrooms where they receive individualized lessons based on their readiness and interests. With guidance from AMI-trained Montessori teachers, children set their own academic goals, manage long-term projects, and develop strong time-management and problem-solving skills. Their natural drive to learn is honored through individualized instruction and self-paced study.


Social and Emotional Development

Montessori elementary students often work in collaborative groups, reflecting their growing social awareness and interest in community. Our teachers serve as mentors and facilitators, guiding children as they navigate friendships, resolve conflicts, and develop leadership, empathy, and communication skills. These interactions help nurture a sense of justice and fairness, which is critical at this developmental stage.


Academic Excellence and Whole-Child Growth

Our Montessori curriculum exceeds traditional academic standards while emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, independence, and moral development. Children are encouraged to take intellectual risks, persist through challenges, and take pride in their work. The result is a child who is not only academically capable but also socially and emotionally prepared for life beyond the classroom.


Why Choose Montessori for Ages 6 to 12?

  • Individualized learning plans tailored to each child
  • Experienced AMI Trained educators
  • Emphasis on independence, responsibility, and intrinsic motivation
  • Integrated hands on curriculum
  • Strong foundation in math, science, language arts, geography, and the arts
  • Encourages deep understanding over rote memorization
  • Fosters real-world skills like problem-solving, time management, and teamwork
  • Serving Alexandria, Old Town, Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt, Belle Haven, and Fairfax County families



Visit Our Alexandria Campus

Located in the heart of Alexandria, Virginia, Aquinas Montessori School’s Mount Vernon Campus is proud to offer a nurturing and challenging Montessori environment for elementary students. Schedule a tour today to see how our Montessori elementary program in Alexandria can support your child’s growth during these critical formative years.

The Elementary Classroom

At Aquinas Montessori School’s Mount Vernon Campus, children in our elementary program (ages 6–12) thrive in multi-age classrooms designed to support their independence, curiosity, and growth. Guided by AMI-trained Montessori educators, students receive individualized lessons based on their interests and readiness, allowing them to progress through the curriculum at their own pace.


The elementary years are rich in collaborative learning. Students frequently work together in small groups, explore big ideas across subjects, and engage in dynamic, hands-on learning. The classroom culture fosters intrinsic motivation, intellectual risk-taking, and pride in one’s work. They learn to manage long-term projects, set personal goals, and develop essential life skills such as time management, focus, and problem-solving.


A Montessori Experience Rooted in Community

The Aquinas Montessori Mount Vernon Campus in Alexandria, VA includes two Lower Elementary classrooms (ages 6–9) and one Upper Elementary classroom (ages 9–12), all maintained according to AMI standards. Classrooms are carefully prepared to encourage exploration, independence, and collaboration across academic areas including math, language, science, history, geography, and the arts.


In addition to the core Montessori curriculum, students enjoy:


  • Weekly Spanish and Physical Education (PE) classes.
  • Great Books Program (grades 1-6). A discussion-based reading program that builds critical thinking, comprehension, and communication skills through classic and contemporary literature.
  • Classics Club (grades 3-6). A monthly afterschool club focusing on classic and award-winning literature.
  • Drama Club (grades 4-6). An afterschool program with recent musical productions including Mary Poppins Jr., Matilda Jr., and Newsies Jr.


Elementary School Schedule and Extended Care

  • Arrival: 8:30 AM
  • Dismissal: 3:00 PM
  • Before Care: 7:30–8:30 AM
  • After Care: until 6:00 PM


Our structured school day allows children to complete the majority of their academic work at school. This supports a balanced family life at home, with time for play, reading, shared meals, and practical life activities like cooking and gardening.


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Welcoming New Students to Montessori Elementary

While most of our elementary students continue from our Montessori Primary program (ages 2.5–6), we warmly welcome new students, especially those entering first through third grade or those with previous Montessori experience.


Students joining us for the first time are introduced to the freedom and responsibility that define Montessori education. They delight in the ability to choose their own work, follow their interests, and engage in in-depth projects that support both academic and personal growth. Collaborative work is encouraged, allowing students to learn from one another and develop strong social skills.


With the support of AMI-trained teachers and a thoughtfully prepared environment, new children are gently guided into classroom routines and quickly become active members of the learning community. Many parents are amazed at how quickly their child becomes confident, curious, and independent—traits that are nurtured daily in our Montessori elementary classrooms.


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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Elementary Program

  • What attracts families to Montessori elementary?

    Montessori elementary is widely valued for the way it blends academic rigor with independence and curiosity. Children explore concepts through hands-on projects, research, and collaboration. At Aquinas, our elementary students develop strong skills in reading, writing, and math while also building independence, responsibility, and leadership. They regularly visit local historic, cultural, and natural sites to further explore their studies. This holistic preparation supports success in middle school, high school, and beyond.

  • What is Cosmic Education?

    Cosmic Education is the foundation of Montessori elementary. It begins with the “Great Lessons”—a series of dramatic, story-like presentations about the origins of the universe, life on Earth, human history, and the development of language and mathematics. From these stories, children are inspired to pursue research and projects that connect science, history, geography, and culture. Cosmic Education nurtures a sense of wonder and responsibility, helping children understand their place in the universe and their role in contributing to society.

  • How does Montessori support independence at the elementary level?

    Elementary students are given freedom within clear boundaries. They choose work based on their interests and readiness, set goals, and manage their time. Guides support them in developing responsibility, organization, and self-discipline—skills that prepare them for lifelong learning.

  • What is different about Montessori math and language?

    Montessori materials allow abstract concepts to be introduced in concrete, hands-on ways. For example, large bead chains, geometry solids, and fraction materials help children see and touch math before moving to abstraction. This builds a deep, intuitive understanding of mathematical ideas rather than rote memorization.


    Language in Montessori elementary is equally distinctive. Students explore grammar through the function of words—learning how each word plays a role in communication (such as nouns for naming, verbs for action, adjectives for description). They use colorful symbols to represent different parts of speech, making grammar lively and visual.


    Children also engage in sentence analysis, where they break down sentences to understand how ideas connect. For example, they might analyze the sentence “The child ran quickly to the garden” by identifying the subject, predicate, and modifiers. This analytical approach strengthens their ability to write with clarity and depth.


    Beyond formal lessons, language is woven into all areas of study: students read and write as part of research projects, storytelling, and presentations. The result is not only strong academic skills but also confidence in self-expression and a love of language.

  • Do Montessori elementary students take tests or get grades?

    Instead of traditional grades, Montessori relies on continuous observation and feedback. Students demonstrate understanding through projects, discussions, and written work. Guides provide individualized feedback and help children set personal goals. This method fosters intrinsic motivation, deeper comprehension, and a love of learning rather than learning for a grade.

  • How does Montessori prepare students for middle school and beyond?

    Montessori graduates are known for being self-motivated, adaptable, and academically strong. They leave with well-developed skills in collaboration, research, and problem-solving. By working in multi-age communities, they have had opportunities to lead and to learn from others. These experiences prepare them not only for middle school and high school but also for active, responsible participation in the wider world.

  • Does Aquinas administer standardized tests?

    Yes. While Montessori education does not emphasize testing, we do administer standardized assessments beginning in second grade.


    • Grade 2: Students take the OLSAT (Otis-Lennon School Ability Test).
    • Grades 3–6: Students take the Stanford Achievement Test, appropriate to their grade level.

    These assessments provide  information about student progress and skills. We also believe that taking standardized tests is a practical life skill that we want our students to practice. However, participation is not mandatory—parents may opt out if they wish. Our primary focus remains on individualized observation, daily work, and project-based learning.