Core Programs

One of the cornerstones of Montessori education is that each stage of children’s development has what Dr. Montessori called “sensitive periods”. Our programs are designed to maximize the potential of those periods with rich learning opportunities that build the foundation for the more complex skill development that follows.

Montessori, My Child, & Me (MMC&M)
(offered at the Chatham campus)

This program, designed for children ages 18-30 months, offers young children the opportunity to explore a modified Montessori environment with their parents or caregivers. Families participate in a weekly session during the fall, winter, and spring semesters of the school year. Each MMC&M session meets for 1¼ hours once a week over the course of 6 weeks. During each class meeting, participants are introduced to age appropriate Montessori materials and engage in music, movement, and yoga activities under the guidance of a certified Montessori Head Teacher. In addition, the adult participants are provided with insights into child development phases, the Montessori Philosophy, and parent education opportunities.

Early Childhood Program for 2½ to 3½ Year Olds

In an environment created specially for toddlers, MCA’s youngest students can explore safely with all of their senses and expand their independence and confidence in a space that grows with them. Children follow their natural curiosity while learning to make choices and follow directions under the nurturing guidance of specially trained teachers. Lessons include Practical Life activities that build readiness for academic tasks, gross motor activities, sensory discoveries, positive social interactions, and learning to be part of a community.

Early Childhood Program for 3 to 6 Year Olds – Half or Full Day (Florham Park Early Childhood Program spans 2½ Year Old to 6 Year Olds—Half or Full Day)

In MCA’s beautifully prepared, stimulating, multi-age classroom filled with child-centered materials, children navigate every area of the classroom and experience all aspects of the curriculum, including math, language arts, science, and geography. Working individually, in small groups, or with the entire class, children are gently guided to the level and type of materials that will advance their knowledge at a pace that is right for each child. Music and foreign language classes and educational field trips further enrich MCA’s pre-primary curriculum.

Full Day Kindergarten Program

MCA’s kindergartners enjoy a year of spectacular growth as they embrace their new leadership roles in the classroom. In this culminating year of the Montessori 3 - 6 cycle, students explore special units of study and focus increasingly on academic skills in preparation for their transition to elementary. Students work with their multi-age class in the morning and exclusively with their kindergarten peers in the afternoon. In addition to music and a foreign language, MCA kindergartners participate in gym and computer classes, Field Day, special kindergarten events, and field trips.

Elementary Program Grades 1- 8 (Short Hills campus only)

Tomorrow’s world will require that today’s children learn to be critical and independent thinkers who are excited by learning and have a deep desire to make a difference in their world. Achieving that goal depends upon education being not just about imparting knowledge, but about making it meaningful to students and then encouraging them to use what they learn in creative and unconventional ways. At MCA, our experienced, certified teachers offer children a wide range of academic, artistic, and cultural experiences and challenge students to work to their fullest potential by seeing each child as a unique and capable learner.

MCA’s Elementary Program includes concentrations in language arts, math, science and history, and children may progress beyond grade level once mastery of subject material is achieved. Art, music, and foreign language are studied individually and are also reinforced throughout the curriculum. Our state of the art computer program teaches students essential technology skills and MCA’s Physical Education classes teach students the importance of fitness and good health. Special classroom projects, field trips, and community involvement enhance the elementary experience as students grow, mature, and learn to work together as a productive, peaceful community.