Curriculum

At CMCS, children's natural interests and talents guide their education, not the constraints of a defined curriculum. While we make full use of Montessori materials and a "relaxed" Montessori method with the younger child, the older child is stimulated by a program driven by individual interest that offers space for exploration and maintains a foundation in the basics. Our educators' commitment to a child's emotional well-being, in combination with multi-aged classrooms, engenders an environment of mutual respect and understanding among the students. We approach the creativity of the whole child, considering their social, emotional, spiritual, academic and physical needs.

The core subjects offered by the classroom teachers are mathematics, reading, phonics, writing, spelling, grammar, social studies, science and technology. A great deal of room is allowed for personal creativity, individual learning styles, and interests in learning and exploring these essential areas of study. Adding community activities, input in how their classrooms run, environmental involvement and an exciting mix of arts, French, physical education, music and much more gives the child a unique recipe for educational success. We endeavour to provide the best possible individualized, interest-led, and self-directed educational experience.

The educator acts as a classroom facilitator, guide, and mentor. The educational experience is highly individualized and as self-directed as the student can handle. Not all children come to school with skills for self-directed learning already in place. Therefore, they need instruction and opportunities to learn and practice a variety of skills that lead to independence. We are committed to building complex skills via the child's interests and at a pace that meets them at their level. 

Our advantage over a larger school system lies in the students' freedom to work at a level suitable to their current stage of educational development. We meet diverse learners where they are and assist them where they are going. Where each child's promise is recognized, reflected, and nurtured; for instance, a child who would be enrolled at a grade 4 level in a public school might be working in our school at a grade 5 level in language arts and a grade 6 (or possibly a grade 3) level in mathematics. The possibilities are endless and very exciting.

Assessment is collaborative and ongoing, involving self, peers, and teachers. Students are encouraged to open doors and explore life and the world around them. We maintain small class sizes to encourage this unique learning experience, with a maximum student-to-teacher ratio of approximately fifteen to one, often much lower.

We trust the students to know what they need to learn and excel in their educational experience. Time and again, we see them come to love learning for the joy it brings!