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Elementary

Grades 1-4: Modern Montessori

A Thoughtfully Scaffolded Education

Our Elementary Program forms a thoughtful bridge between early childhood Montessori practices and the advanced work that students will find in our Middle School. Teaching methods include Singapore Math, systematic phonics instruction, and conversational Spanish, preparing younger students for the challenges of Middle School as they transition seamlessly into our International Baccalaureate program.

Modern Montessori

The capacity for independence, curiosity, and social awareness are intentionally strengthened as students grow, creating a consistent, developmentally aligned approach that instills confidence, executive functioning skills, and lifelong learning habits. Also, because we are small, and have experienced teachers providing individual attention throughout the day, we pride ourselves on being able to tailor lessons to fit each child’s each child’s strengths, interests, and readiness.

In the elementary years, students deepen their conceptual knowledge by revisiting familiar materials in increasingly sophisticated ways. The Golden Beads, for example, are a tactile introduction to counting that later, when combined with the Singapore Math curriculum, are used to support multiplication, division, and decimals. By connecting mathematical equations to concrete, hands-on materials, children gain meaningful understanding of why concepts work, not just how to compute them. They build number sense, and an intuitive understanding of mathematical operations – hallmarks of strong mathematical foundations.

Two children sit across from each other at a wooden table with electronic components, set against a background featuring a whiteboard with circuit diagrams and a brick wall.

Our curriculum is designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning.  Here are some of the particulars:

  • Language Arts: We use a workshop model for reading and writing, as well as providing direct phonics instruction that is thoughtfully sequenced and supported by our faculty, who are trained in advanced phonics and decoding strategies. 
  • Singapore Math: Our approach teaches math through a three-step process—concrete, pictorial, and abstract—helping children truly understand and apply concepts.
  • Science & MakerSpace: Hands-on, inquiry-based lessons spark curiosity and encourage problem-solving through science, technology, engineering, and math.
  • Social Studies: Students explore history, society, and human interaction, making connections that last.
  • Spanish: Over their four years in elementary school, Red Oaks students gain proficiency in writing and speaking conversational Spanish, expanding their worldview.
A teacher stands before a group of young students sitting in a circle inside a colorful classroom.

 

Why Mixed Age Classes Enrich Learning in the Elementary Years

Our Lower School’s Mixed-age classrooms create a dynamic learning community in which children are continually supported, challenged, and invited to grow. At Red Oaks, students learn in three mixed-age groupings: Early Childhood (age 3–Kindergarten), Lower Elementary (Grades 1–2), and Upper Elementary (Grades 3–4). Within each classroom, younger students benefit from observing the skills, habits, and confidence of more experienced classmates, while older students deepen their own learning by serving as leaders, mentors, and role models. Because students are not all expected to be doing the same work at the same time, differentiation is not an occasional strategy but an authentic part of the classroom’s daily life. Teachers can introduce lessons according to each child’s readiness, provide additional support where needed, and offer meaningful enrichment to students who are prepared to move further or explore. Learning alongside classmates with a range of ages, abilities, and perspectives also strengthens communication, social skills, empathy, and leadership.

Teacher sitting with three young students concentrating on schoolwork at table.