Preparing children for life
Lower Elementary Program
Grades 1-3
Our Lower Elementary Program is a dynamic community of children aged 6 - 9 years old. The learning environment at Harpeth Montessori inspires the children to be their best and to challenge themselves daily. The adults at Harpeth put the child’s development first. They teach lessons that are clear, engaging, and customized for the specific child. The Elementary Character Code reinforces expectations and behaviors of the children inside the classroom and throughout the community.
World History
World history is introduced through engaging, hands-on lessons that spark curiosity about the human story. Children explore key concepts such as the Timeline of Life and the Coming of Humans, using visual timelines and storytelling to understand how people, cultures, and civilizations have developed over time. Lessons emphasize interconnectedness—how geography, inventions, and shared human needs shape history. This approach encourages students to see themselves as part of the ongoing story of humanity.
U.S. History
Our elementary children at Harpeth Montessori study the American founding. Each week we focus on American History and Civics using Hillsdale College’s 1776 Curriculum to bring characters and events to life through story-telling, first hand documents, reenactments, and in depth discussion of important events. We study the ideas, words, and deeds that have most significantly formed the world into which children were born.
Grammar
Grammar is taught through hands-on materials that make the structure of language tangible and engaging. Children use color-coded grammar symbols to identify parts of speech, such as nouns, verbs, and adjectives, and arrange them to build sentences that illustrate how words work together. Lessons often include storytelling, movement, and games that bring language to life while reinforcing correct usage. This approach helps students develop a strong foundation in grammar, a love of language, and confidence in their ability to express themselves clearly.
Language Arts
Language arts is taught through an integrated and hands-on approach that connects reading, writing, grammar, and spoken language across all areas of study. Children build on early literacy skills through individualized reading work, creative and expository writing, and exploration of word study and grammar using Montessori materials. Lessons are designed to inspire curiosity and self-expression, encouraging students to read for meaning, write with purpose, and communicate ideas confidently. Language is woven throughout the curriculum, allowing students to see its power as a tool for learning, connection, and creativity.
Writing
Children continue to develop their love of writing from the primary years. Writing is taught as a creative and purposeful process that develops alongside reading and language study. Children begin by writing about topics that interest them, using their growing knowledge of grammar, spelling, and sentence structure to express ideas clearly. Teachers guide students through different forms of writing—such as stories, reports, and poetry—while emphasizing organization and word choice. Writing is integrated across all subjects, helping students see it as a natural and meaningful way to communicate their understanding of the world.
Mathematics
Math is taught through hands-on, sequential materials that move from concrete exploration to abstract understanding. Students use manipulatives—such as bead chains, number rods, and golden beads—to visually and physically experience mathematical concepts like place value, multiplication, and fractions. Lessons are individualized, allowing each child to progress at their own pace while building confidence and mastery. This approach helps students develop not only strong computational skills but also a deep understanding of mathematical relationships and patterns.
Science
Science is taught through exploration, observation, and hands-on discovery that nurtures a sense of wonder about the natural world. Lessons begin with broad, impressionistic stories—such as the Coming of the Universe and the Coming of Life—that spark curiosity and lay the foundation for deeper study. Students then engage in experiments, nature walks, and research projects to explore topics like biology, geology, physics, and astronomy. This integrated approach encourages children to ask questions, make connections, and see themselves as active participants in the scientific world.
Entrepreneurship
Our Elementary students have the opportunity to develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for business at our Annual Children's Business Fair. Local business owners join us for classes leading up to our business fair to share their stories of Entrepreneurship, taking risks, building a business, and teaching us the concept of value creation.
Enrichment Programs
Your child will participate in many enrichments outside of the classroom including Gardening, Homesteading, Art, Spanish, Boot Camp, and Music. We help foster a lifelong love of learning and self-improvement in every child at Harpeth.
