Primary

A Love for Learning
(3 - 6 years)

The Primary program is truly a gift to your child. Designed for children between the ages of 3 to 6 years, it is an opportunity to nurture his individual development within the context of a group setting. The result? Self-confidence, joy and a lifelong love-for-learning.

The Gift of Choice

Your child will be introduced to a broad range of concepts and activities in individual and small group lessons. The real learning, however, occurs through independent activity by choosing to explore it, repeat it and perfect it.

A Deep Connection Between Teacher and Child

Our AMI certified teachers choose this career because of their love for children and dedication to Montessori. Their depth of training and knowledge is amplified by the joyful and deep relationship they develop with your child throughout the three-year journey together.

It’s a Mixed Age Classroom

Because the Montessori curriculum is individualized, your child can work at his or her own pace while participating in a mixed age classroom community. Your younger child learns by observing the behavior and activities of the older children. Your older child gains self-confidence, leadership skills and responsibility by setting an example for her younger friends.

Beautiful Hands-On Materials Help Your Child Learn

The scientifically designed Montessori materials help your child learn through hands-on use and exploration. Through continued use, he develops as a concrete understanding of abstract concepts, such as mathematics, providing a solid foundation for learning into the future.

Group Activities and Play

While most of the day is spent in self-directed work, there are also times for group activity and play. The guide may gather a group for songs or to tell stories about a cultural, scientific or historical theme of interest. Ample time is also given to run, dig, explore and play with friends outdoors.

Child Centered (Not Teacher Centered)

Unlike conventional classrooms, where all children are expected to pay close attention to the teacher, our program does the opposite – the Montessori guide is trained to closely observe your child’s interests, tendencies and needs. You won’t see a teacher standing at the front of the classroom at a chalkboard, but rather down at your child’s level, engaged with her or a small group.

The Children’s House

The Montessori guide works continuously to perfect the environment in which your child works to perfect him or herself. Our guides put tremendous care and attention to detail into the classroom with low shelves, beautiful artwork, books and cultural items of interest to pique your child’s interest and stimulate his senses. The children respond by developing a sense of classroom ownership and a drive to care for it, further deepening the bonds of the community and their quest to learn.

Essential Skills for a Successful Life

The Primary classroom is designed to help your child become his best self. Through “grace and courtesy” activities, we teach your child how to solve conflicts, how to act politely in social situations and how to be kind and helpful to friends.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Instead of a top down curriculum based upon age, the Montessori guide is trained to respect your child’s unique potential and connects him with the lesson best suited at that precise moment of development. Your child will be challenged according to her ability, not to a generic standard.

Kindergarten Included

Montessori is a continuum of education that allows your child to build upon experiences each year. Your child will stay in the Primary classroom for 3 years, including the traditional “kindergarten year” – when the seeds of learning come to fruition. Reading and writing come to life from sounds and symbols. Your child is introduced to numbers and the decimal system. She learns about geometric figures and the political countries of our world. She leaves the program with a strong set of academic skills; but, far more importantly, with the knowledge that learning is fun, exciting and boundless.

Before and After School Care

The Home Environment Room (HER) is a nurturing, homelike environment offered to a limited number of Northwood families who need care for their children before and/or after the Montessori classroom. Every effort is made to carry over the principles of the Montessori classrooms into the Home Environment Room so that each child experiences continuity in approach as well as a restful, comfortable atmosphere. Music, art, cooking, gardening, inside and outside play opportunities are a small sample of the activities included in the child’s day.

Our Primary Montessori program is offered at Northwood Montessori School, an AMI Montessori school in Houston, serving families in North Houston. Families are encouraged to schedule a tour to explore our prepared learning environments.

Here are some of the questions we hear most often about Montessori Primary Program

  • What is an AMI Montessori Primary program, and how is it different from traditional preschool?

    An AMI Montessori Primary program is a child-centered learning environment designed to support children ages 3–6 during their most sensitive period for learning. Unlike traditional preschools, children work independently with hands-on materials, developing concentration, independence, and a deep love of learning at their own pace.

  • How does the Montessori Primary program prepare children for elementary school and beyond?

    The AMI Primary curriculum at Northwood Montessori builds strong foundations in literacy, math, executive functioning, and social-emotional skills. Children develop confidence, self-discipline, and critical thinking; skills that support long-term academic success and a smooth transition into elementary school.

  • What subjects are taught in the Montessori Primary classroom?

    At Northwood Montessori in Houston, Texas; Children work daily in practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, cultural studies (science, geography, history), and art. Each material is designed to refine the senses and support brain development, making learning both joyful and meaningful.

  • Why are Montessori materials made of wood and natural elements?

    Natural materials engage the senses and help children form strong neural connections through touch, weight, texture, and movement. This sensory-rich experience supports deeper learning and longer attention spans, unlike plastic toys that offer limited feedback.

  • Are Montessori teachers certified, and what does AMI accreditation mean?

    Northwood Montessori lead guides are AMI-trained, meaning they completed rigorous international training in child development, observation, and Montessori pedagogy. AMI accreditation ensures fidelity to Dr. Maria Montessori’s original, research-based method.

  • Why is the Montessori classroom so quiet and calm?

    The calm environment is a result of children being deeply engaged in meaningful work that meets their developmental needs. Because children are free to choose purposeful activities and move at their own pace, they naturally develop concentration, self-regulation, and inner discipline; creating a peaceful atmosphere without external control.