Reading & Writing
Children touch sounds, build words, and read with confidence.
AMS Member School · Ages 3–6 years
Primary Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten in Madison, Alabama
The Explosion into Learning. A mixed-age Montessori preschool and kindergarten community where children develop literacy, mathematical understanding, concentration, and confidence.
Primary
The Explosion into Learning
Program Overview
Where children take ownership of their learning — and fall in love with it.
Primary children want real work. The classroom channels that drive into language, math, culture, and care.
Guides give lessons one-on-one or in small groups. Long work cycles protect focus and independence.
Age Range
3–6 years
Montessori Benefits
What the Primary Program Builds
Every element fits this age. Children grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
Concrete Mathematics
Hands-on materials make numbers visible and concrete.
Cultural & Global Awareness
Maps, science, and culture connect children to the world.
Peace Education
Children practice grace, courtesy, and peaceful conflict resolution.
Multi-Age Mentorship
Older children lead. Younger children learn by watching.
Self-Directed Ownership
Children choose work and manage materials with guidance.
Daily Experience
A Day in the Primary Classroom
Predictable rhythms create security. Children know what comes next.
8:00 AM
Arrival & Individual Work
8:00 AMChildren choose work. Guides observe and offer lessons.
8:30 AM
Three-Hour Work Cycle
8:30 AMDeep work across all curriculum areas.
11:30 AM
Circle Time & Stories
11:30 AMSongs, movement, reading, and group lessons.
12:00 PM
Lunch & Outdoor Play
12:00 PMShared lunch and outdoor movement.
1:00 PM
Rest (younger children)
1:00 PMRest for younger children. Quiet work for older children.
1:30 PM
Afternoon Work Cycle
1:30 PMArt, sensorial work, language, and guide lessons.
Afternoon
Afternoon Work, Closing Routine & Dismissal
AfternoonChildren complete afternoon work, restore the classroom, and prepare for dismissal or extended care according to their family’s schedule.
Classroom Environment
The Primary Prepared Environment
The classroom teaches. Every shelf, tool, and routine has a purpose.
Complete Montessori Material Set
Materials cover practical life, sensorial, language, math, and culture.
Outdoor Extension Classroom
Outdoor space supports science, movement, and nature work.
Art & Music Throughout
Art and music appear throughout daily classroom life.
Cultural Materials & Maps
Maps, artifacts, botany, and zoology invite discovery.
Peace Corner
Children use tools for calm conflict resolution.
Natural Light & Order
Light, plants, shelves, and order support independence.
For Parents
Partnering With Primary Families
School and family work together. We keep you informed and involved.
Classroom observations
Progress photos
Narrative reports
Observation windows
Parent education
Elementary transition support
Home activity ideas
Program Questions
Primary Program FAQs
What ages does the Primary program serve?
The Primary program serves children ages 3 through 6 in a mixed-age Montessori preschool and kindergarten community.
How are reading and writing taught in Primary?
Children work with tactile sound materials, build words, practice writing, and progress toward reading through individual and small-group lessons.
How is mathematics taught?
Concrete Montessori materials make quantity, place value, operations, and patterns visible before children move toward abstraction.
What is the three-hour work cycle?
The uninterrupted work cycle gives children time to choose purposeful work, receive guide lessons, repeat activities, and develop sustained concentration.
Plan Your Next Step
Learn more about Montessori at Peridot before your visit.
Join the Primary Montessori Waitlist
Share your child’s timing, learn how Primary supports preschool and kindergarten growth, and let us contact you as future openings become available.