The Primary Classroom
PK3-KG
The Montessori primary age classroom is designed for children aged 3 to 6 years old and is a carefully prepared environment that fosters independence, exploration, and self-directed learning. It is typically divided into five main areas: practical life, sensorial, language, math, and cultural subjects.
In the practical life area, children learn essential life skills such as pouring, spooning, washing, and cleaning. The sensorial area helps children refine their senses through exploration and comparison of materials that help them distinguish size, weight, shape, and texture.
The language area emphasizes phonemic awareness and introduces writing and reading through the use of Montessori materials such as sandpaper letters, movable alphabet, and phonetic readers. The math area introduces children to concepts such as numbers, counting, addition, and subtraction through the use of concrete materials such as the Montessori number rods, spindle boxes, and bead chains.
Lastly, the cultural subjects area exposes children to geography, science, music, and art through various materials and hands-on experiences.
The Montessori primary classroom is a child-centered environment that encourages freedom within limits, respect for others, and independence. The teacher acts as a facilitator, observing and guiding children as they learn and develop at their own pace.
Preschool Enrollment Procedures
CJM preschool operates under the direction of the same governing board, administration and staff as the charter school program, but will operate as a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit preschool program.
CJM preschool holds an active Child Care Facility Certificate of License issued by the Department of Children & Families. (Certificate #C10P00269)
Interested families will need to fill out the enrollment application and complete a tour.
Enrollment Procedures – Preschool Students (3 year & 4 year)
CJM’s preschool is a tuition-based program. The parent/guardian indicated on the application will be notified if their preschool student has been offered a seat in CJM’s preschool program via email, text message and/or USPS mail. An enrollment paperwork package will be made available. The package must be completed and a deposit must be paid no later than the enrollment date in order to finalize enrollment in CJM. Failure to complete and return the enrollment packet and deposit by the date will result in forfeiting the seat.
Annual tuition for CJM’s preschool program is listed on our Tuition & Fees page. This tuition covers the school day following the public school calendar and our elementary grades bell schedule. Extended care programs are available for preschool students.