Setting the Stage for a Thriving Future at School in the Hills
The transition from kindergarten to elementary school is a significant milestone, especially for children who experienced Montessori education. Montessori’s child-centered philosophy nurtures independence, critical thinking, and a deep love for learning. By the time students leave kindergarten, they are not only prepared for the academic demands of elementary school—they are equipped with life skills to help them thrive.
At School in the Hills, we build on this foundation to ensure each child’s continued growth, especially as they move from one developmental phase to the next.
A recent Acadience screening highlighted our Kinder students’ average performance at the 95th percentile in reading and the 92nd percentile in math, compared to their peers across the nation.
We strongly believe this screening result highlights the Montessori method’s effectiveness when combined with our curriculum and the personalized support provided to each child in the classroom.
Montessori Kindergarten:
A Foundation of Independence & Curiosity
In our classrooms, kindergarten is about more than just academics. Children develop foundational skills in math, reading, and science, but they also cultivate critical life skills like independence, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving.
Key benefits of our kindergarten program include:
- Intrinsic motivation, where children develop a natural curiosity, a love for learning, and inner drive.
- Hands-on learning with materials that help children grasp abstract concepts and lay the foundation for more complex work.
- Collaborative work, where children learn to communicate and problem-solve with peers.
- Leadership among their peers and with younger children in the class and around campus.
By the end of kindergarten, Montessori students outperform many of their peers in academic skills, but their true advantage lies in their confidence, self-direction, and social-emotional intelligence.
What we don’t do: prioritize memorization or any curriculum that teaches toward testing.
The Transition to Elementary School: Challenges and Opportunities
At School in the Hills, our Elementary program offers a natural extension of the Montessori foundation built in Kindergarten, ensuring children continue to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The transition into our Lower Elementary program allows students to deepen their understanding of core concepts, apply critical thinking, and build upon the independence and self-regulation skills they begin developing in early childhood.
Continuing in a Montessori environment consistently fosters a love for learning through hands-on, self-paced exploration. It also ensures students remain ahead of the curve by seamlessly advancing through an individualized curriculum that adapts to their unique needs. Transitioning directly into public elementary schools, which often rely on rigid, teacher-directed instruction, can interrupt this momentum. However, if you choose a public school approach, we are here to help bridge the gap with support and guidance.
By choosing our Montessori Elementary program, children sustain their growth and curiosity while confidently embracing new academic and social challenges. This investment in their education ensures they stay on a path of holistic development, building the skills and mindset needed to thrive in any environment.
How School in the Hills Helps Children Thrive Beyond
At School in the Hills, we focus on continuity, ensuring that the strengths developed in Montessori are built upon in our elementary curriculum. Here’s how our approach helps children thrive further compared to transitioning to a traditional public school.
Individualized Learning
Montessori children are accustomed to moving at their own pace, and at School in the Hills, we continue this personalized approach. Our small class sizes allow for tailored instruction that meets each child’s needs. Whether they need extra support or more advanced challenges, we ensure every child receives the attention they deserve.
Smaller Teacher-Student Ratio and Teacher Attention
With Guides in each class, our teachers can form deeper relationships with students and provide individualized support. This contrasts with the larger, less personalized environment often found in public schools, where children may not get the one-on-one attention or individually tailored instruction they need.
A Balanced Approach to Learning
We emphasize both academic excellence and social-emotional growth, helping children develop emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and resilience—skills that are often overlooked in traditional public school settings but are crucial for long-term success.
Cultivating a Lifelong Love for Learning
Montessori students are intrinsically motivated, and at School in the Hills, we continue to nurture that natural curiosity. Our teachers design engaging, hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom lessons to the real world, keeping children excited about learning.
A Smooth Transition to Traditional Education
We provide a bridge between Montessori’s child-centered learning and the more structured expectations of elementary education. At School in the Hills, we balance independence with accountability, ensuring students are well-prepared for the challenges of both private and public schools.
The end of kindergarten in a Montessori environment is not just a transition—it’s the beginning of a new phase in a child’s educational journey. At School in the Hills, we build on the solid foundation laid in Montessori to ensure each child continues to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our approach helps children develop the independence, curiosity, and resilience they need to succeed, both in elementary school and beyond.
As your child transitions to the next stage of their education, you can trust that School in the Hills will continue to support their growth and foster their lifelong love of learning.
Begin a new phase in your child’s educational journey.
Our Elementary program offers a natural extension of the Montessori foundation built in Kindergarten.
