Primary Program

An academic program for students 3–6 years old.

Our Early Childhood program is designed for children aged 3 to 6. Since 1967, SBMA has innovated and refined the concept of integrating a Montessori education with the acquisition of proficiency in a second language, at the preschool level. Our goal is to ensure a future of peace and understanding, in which we speak one another’s language and embrace each other’s ways.

Child-Centered 

(Not Teacher-Centered)

Unlike conventional classrooms, where children are expected to direct their attention to their teacher, our program centers around your child. Our educators are trained to observe each child with care, attentively tuning in to their individual interests, developmental needs, and natural curiosities. Rather than leading from the front of the room, our guides engage with students on their level, fostering meaningful interactions through one-on-one or small group connections.

A Mixed-Age Classroom

An individualized learning path allows your child to progress at their own pace while participating in a thoughtfully prepared, mixed-age classroom. All children experience the opportunity to learn from and pass knowledge on to role models, mentors, and peers of differing ages. Your younger child will learn through observation and imitation, naturally absorbing lessons from older peers. In turn, your older child reinforces their own learning and develops leadership skills, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility by serving as a role model within the community. While Montessori children often may read, write and work arithmetic problems before 4 years of age, the emphasis is not on academic achievement, but rather, on the development of each child’s unique potential.

Hands-On Materials

Montessori materials teach your child through hands-on use and exploration. Repetition of the exercises develops concentration and inner calm. The self-correcting materials allow children to discover and correct their own errors. Through continued use, our students develop a concrete understanding of abstract concepts, providing a solid foundation for future learning.

World Language Programs

SBMA’s program has been proven effective over the years both for native English-speaking children and for those with another mother tongue. The success of our program is grounded in Maria Montessori’s discovery of the very young child’s special sensitivity to language, which enables children to absorb a new language effortlessly and naturally in the first 6 years of life.

Children attend daily classes in either Spanish, French or Mandarin, based on enrollment. Language learning is reinforced throughout the day and into After Care. Most students become conversational in their target language over a 2-3 year period.

One Size Does Not Fit All

In contrast to a curriculum based on age, our teachers are trained to observe and respect your child’s unique journey by connecting them with the lesson best suited at that precise moment of development. Your child will be challenged and guided according to their ability, not to a generic standard. In an environment of peace, mutual respect , and cooperation, under the guidance of a trained teacher, children work unobstructed, at their own individual pace in a loving, nurturing atmosphere.

We see education as a preparation for life that does not begin or end with the acquisition of academic skills. SBMA offers an orderly, nurturing and understanding prepared environment, which fosters your child’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual growth, as well as the intellectual and academic. The school’s role is to nurture the child’s natural love for learning, work and order through self-discipline, mastering positive attitudes toward learning and achieving ever-increasing levels of independence.

If you think your child would thrive in our Montessori environment, inquire online. We would love for you to attend an Open House and learn more about our school.