Academics
Montessori (Toddler - PreK)
Director of the Lower School David Kilkenney
"The Montessori years are where confidence begins. At Gilmour, children are encouraged to follow their curiosity, make meaningful choices and discover the joy of learning for themselves. Those early experiences build the independence, resilience and love of learning that prepare them not only for kindergarten, but for a lifetime."
Students are provided countless hands-on experiences and, through exploration and discovery, gain an understanding of the world around them and develop the confidence to solve problems creatively and independently. The foundational principles introduced in the Montessori program are expanded upon as students grow through the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools.
Montessori Toddler & PreK Programs
The Montessori years (18 months to 4 years) are filled with small moments that shape a child in lasting ways. A toddler carefully carrying a tray across the room. A child sounding out a word for the first time. A student determined to finish a task without help. These moments happen every day at Gilmour. In classrooms where curiosity is encouraged and independence is expected, children develop the confidence, self-direction and foundational skills that prepare them for a successful transition to kindergarten and beyond.
Curriculum Helps Children Master Essential Skills
Our Montessori classrooms are designed to help children become confident, capable learners. Students choose meaningful work; learn at a pace that matches their development; and are encouraged to try, struggle, adjust and try again. Through careful observation, Montessori teachers guide each child’s growth, introducing new challenges when they are ready and providing support when needed. Over time, children become more independent, more persistent and more willing to tackle something new without waiting for an adult to lead the way.
Structure Within Independence
While Montessori classrooms offer children the freedom to choose their work, that freedom exists within a thoughtfully prepared environment. Activities are carefully introduced by the teacher, guiding students toward meaningful learning experiences. Students are encouraged to complete the work they begin, taking breaks as needed while building perseverance, confidence and follow-through.
A Classroom Designed for Children
Everything in a Montessori classroom serves a purpose. Materials are arranged within easy reach, workspaces are sized for young learners and everything has its place. Instructors carefully observe each child to determine when they are ready for new lessons and experiences. The environment encourages children to make choices, work independently and build confidence through experience.
Flexible Scheduling
We offer flexible scheduling options to meet the needs of every family, including five-day programs for all students and a three-day option (Tuesday through Thursday) for toddlers. Toddlers may enroll in half-day or full-day programs, while PreK students can choose from half-day, three-quarter-day or full-day options. Before Care and After Care are also available for added convenience. View scheduling options here.
Learning Through Discovery
In Montessori, children don't simply learn about new ideas. They experience them. Every lesson invites students to explore, ask questions and discover through hands-on activities, from preparing food and building words to solving math problems and studying the world around them. Practical life experiences build independence and responsibility, while sensory materials deepen observation and critical thinking. These meaningful experiences create the strong foundation children need as learning becomes increasingly complex.
Benefits of Mixed-Age Classrooms
Montessori classrooms are intentionally designed with mixed-age groups to bring together children of different ages and stages to foster collaboration, leadership and real-world learning. In our program, students are grouped into two levels — 18–36 months and 3–5 years. Younger students learn by watching what is possible, while older students gain confidence as they help and encourage those around them. Because children remain with the same teachers and classmates for their preschool years, the classroom begins to feel like a small community where everyone has a role to play.
GROWing Beyond the Classroom
Some of the most anticipated parts of the day happen outdoors. Through our Nature-Based Learning program, students help tend the school’s giving gardens, care for chickens, learn about the bees in the apiary and spend time exploring the natural world around them. Additionally, two playgrounds give children space to run, imagine, build friendships and simply be children.
Smooth Transition to Kindergarten
Being part of a Toddler through Grade 12 school gives our Montessori students a unique advantage. They grow up surrounded by older students and become familiar with the traditions, events and rhythms of campus life. When it’s time for kindergarten, they are stepping into a place they already know and a community where they already belong.
A Strong Foundation for Lifelong Learning
Montessori classrooms are busy places. Children are reading, counting, building, questioning, experimenting and trying new things for themselves. Along the way, they learn how to focus on a task, stick with something that feels difficult and solve problems independently. By the time they enter kindergarten, they have a strong academic foundation and they confidence to use it.
Parent, Class of 2038, Class of 2041
Our family has had such an amazing experience in the Gilmour Montessori program. Our son spent two years in the preschool program, and our daughter loved her time in the toddler room. We watched both of them grow so much—not just academically, but in their confidence and independence, too. The mixed-age classrooms were one of our favorite parts because they gave our children the chance to learn from older students, work together, and eventually become leaders themselves. They also built such sweet relationships with their teachers and classmates, which made going to school something they genuinely looked forward to every day. We’re so thankful for the foundation Montessori gave our children and feel it fully prepared them for Kindergarten and beyond.
