Montessori
Over eighty years of experience have proven Dr. Montessori’s theory that a young child can learn to read, write and calculate in the same natural way that he or she learns to walk and talk, by absorbing information from the environment like a sponge. Based on her extensive observations, Dr. Montessori identified the time from birth to six years as the “Absorbent Mind” period. She felt that the goal of early childhood education should not be to fill the child with facts from a pre-selected course of studies, but rather to cultivate the child’s own natural desire to learn. This process is directed by the Montessori teachers, called “guides”, whose job it is to direct the work of the child and model appropriate behavior. Materials in the prepared environment are designed to help the child to focus his or her attention through purposeful activity so as to develop consciousness, will and self-direction. The traditional Montessori curriculum includes study in the areas of Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, and Geography.  At Athena, we also incorporate Art and Art History, Music, Organic Gardening, Foreign Languages and Physical Education for all students.

Primary Program
(ages three to six years) allows each child to experience the excitement of learning by his or her own choice and to perfect his or her natural tools for learning. The Montessori-trained guides direct the child and give instruction in the materials, while modeling excellent manners, interpersonal communication, problem solving and mediation skills.

Pre-Primary Program
(ages 24 months to three years) is simpler and slower paced than the Primary program with its fundamental goal being to offer these young children a unique year of self development in a tender atmosphere of special understanding, respect and support, while preparing them for the Primary environment.
After School Program
To accommodate our working families, we provide an engaging program from 3:00 to 6:00 pm which provides diverse opportunities for indoor and outdoor creative play and continued exploration. It is during the hours of the After School program that the Extra Curricular classes are offered separately in the Community Resource Center auditorium.

The After School Program is available for Athena students only.
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Last Updated May 3, 2007