Dr. Montessori believed that the first three years of life are the most fundamental in the development of human beings and their potential. In the Young Children's Community, children between the ages of fifteen months and three years interact in an environment that is specially prepared to meet their needs. Rather than a classroom setting, it is a nurturing environment where motor coordination, independence and language are cultivated.
Under the guidance of one teacher and one assistant, children participate joyfully in purposeful tasks. They also interact with older children, tending to flowers in the garden or sharing a beautiful song. The child's development of self-confidence and understanding that he is part of a community are fostered in the Young Children's
Community.
Once the child has shown the readiness, between the ages of 2 1/2 and 3, he moves into the Primary Program.
The Primary classroom is an atmosphere of calm, order and joy, as children ages 3-6 learn together in the same setting. The younger children are guided by the teacher and by observing and working with older students.
Unique to the Montessori classroom are the concrete materials used to illustrate abstract concepts. For example, children are introduced to basic mathematics using golden counting beads. The bead exercises familiarize the child with the formation of complex
numbers.
The activities in the Primary Program fall into four major areas: practical life, sensorial, language and mathematics. Music, art, science, geography, gardening and physical education are also part of the daily curriculum. Children learn to work at a task from beginning to end and develop their self-discipline and capacity for total concentration. Respect for others, courtesy and grace develop naturally as the children grow within the Montessori
environment.
Morning (Ages 3-4 1/2) 8:30 - 11:45 am
Children begin as morning students, attending five days a week. They develop at their own pace over a three-year period in the same Primary
classroom.
Extended Day (Age 4 1/2 - 6) 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
When children show the academic and emotional readiness, usually between the ages of 4 1/2 - 5, they are invited to the Extended Day program, in which the child's work day extends from morning into afternoon.
The Elementary Program (First through Sixth Grade)
Dr. Montessori observed that elementary children typically can be characterized by their reasoning minds, their ability to abstract and imagine, and their passion for research and exploration. The Cobb School Elementary Program is designed to encourage children to wonder, work and explore.
In a research style of learning, elementary children work in small groups on a variety of projects, building skills they will one day need as productive members of society.
Elementary studies include geography, biology, history, language, mathematics, music and art. Physical education, Spanish, Latin, photography and gardening complement the curriculum.
Exploration of each area is encouraged through trips outside the classroom to local museums, libraries and the theater, enhancing the children's understanding about the community in which they live.
The school is committed to familiarizing students with the advances in technology that will enhance their ability to process information, but without making them dependent on the computer to process simple operations. Elementary students have supervised access to computers in the classroom and the
library.
This inclusive approach to education fosters a feeling of connectedness to all humanity and encourages the children's natural desire to make contributions to the world. The ultimate goal of the Elementary Program is to develop the students' abilities and self confidence so that they are able to take charge of their own learning.
At The Cobb School, children will acquire the essential characteristics of becoming independent, responsible individuals who are prepared to take on life's challenges and opportunities.
The Cobb School facilities offer opportunities for a wide range of after school programs. These are hosted either by professionally trained specialists or our enthusiastic and talented parent volunteers.
Examples of after school programs include Choral groups, Drumming & Dancing workshops, Art Specialties and seasonal Sports Programs.
"The Nest" - After School Care
Our after school program, The Nest, is under the direction of a trained Montessori teacher, who has created a home-like atmosphere while following Dr. Montessori's principles of a prepared home environment. The children contribute to the community by helping to care for the environment on a daily basis through cooperative play, cooking and craft activities. The children may choose to participate in an organized activity or play freely. Parents have the option of enrolling their children on a fee-based schedule for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days, with varying dissmissal times up until 5:30pm. If you are interested in signing up your child for The Nest, please contact the Director of Admission.
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The Primary classroom is an atmosphere of calm, order and joy, as children ages 3-6 learn together in the same setting. The younger children are guided by the teacher and by observing and working with older students.
Dr. Montessori observed that elementary children typically can be characterized by their reasoning minds, their ability to abstract and imagine, and their passion for research and exploration. The Cobb School Elementary Program is designed to encourage children to wonder, work and explore.
The Cobb School facilities offer opportunities for a wide range of after school programs. These are hosted either by professionally trained specialists or our enthusiastic and talented parent volunteers. 