Kindergarten: The Icing on the Cake
Alison Petersen • February 11, 2025

This post is for the primary families (although the families of older students who read it will readily agree and support the points below – ask them when you have a chance!). Some of you were originally drawn to Montessori because you’ve read about how different and special the approach is. Some of you were looking for a high-quality daycare or preschool and stumbled upon us.


There are a plethora of reasons families choose to send their children to Montessori schools. The vast majority of those families are thrilled with their decision once they see how their child is nurtured, encouraged, and celebrated in our environments.


Something interesting tends to happen sometime around when the child approaches kindergarten and first grade. Families feel the pull of traditional schooling. They begin to worry that the differences that make Montessori so wonderful just won’t cut it when it comes to preparing their older child for life. They may have excellent public school options available to them. It can be hard to go against what you did as a child, or what your family or friends are doing for their children. And we fully recognize that the decision is incredibly personal.


What we can tell you is that many families who choose to leave Montessori before their child enters kindergarten end up returning. We can also tell you the three-year cycles in our environments are intentional, and there are some great reasons to give your child the gift of that third year.


Feeling on the fence? Hopefully we can help clarify some of the reasons we think kids do best when they have the opportunity to complete their primary cycle.


Mastery of Skills


The third year in a Children's House classroom is a chance for students to really shine academically. Everything they have been working on comes full circle and their understanding of concepts solidifies in a way it couldn’t have until now.


Much of what we teach in the earlier years of our primary environments is indirect and direct preparation for the lessons our third years receive and the materials they work with.


Not only are our kindergarten children understanding concepts in new ways, but they can actually demonstrate this knowledge. Educators from all backgrounds will agree that when a person is able to teach someone a skill, they have themselves demonstrated mastery of the skill. Our classrooms are designed so that older students help to teach younger ones. This teaching serves multiple purposes, one of which is to demonstrate their own understanding.


One of the many benefits of the multi-age classroom, our kindergarteners really enjoy taking on the role of giving lessons to their younger peers.


Opportunities for Leadership


Teaching lessons to younger children isn’t just about academic mastery; it’s also a chance for kids to experience leadership.

We believe that solid leadership isn’t really about power. It’s about allowing those with experience to take on a role of guiding others with less experience. So much of this type of leadership is done by modeling, and our kindergartners serve as the very best models for our younger students.


When your child first entered the classroom, they went through a period in which they needed to figure out expectations, routines, and so much more. Children need to learn how to be independent, how to interact with one another and adults, how to care for the environment, and so on. As adults who guide the children, we model and verbalize what children need to learn, but we are wise enough to recognize that they learn more from watching their peers.


Older children relish in this opportunity. It feels good to know that you are helping someone else. It feels good to acknowledge how far you have come, and how you are now able to guide others along their own path. Our third years know about this role because we discuss it with them often. By the time they step into it, they are more than prepared.


Continued Respect for Individuality


You already know that Montessori schools respect each child’s individual path, and that we believe even young people deserve to be treated with dignity. There are many ways in which we differ from conventional institutions, but some that we think are important to highlight are:


  • Allowing the child to use the restroom when they need to, without having to ask permission from an adult
  • Encouraging children to eat a snack when they are hungry and drink when they feel thirsty
  • Creating a structure that allows children to take breaks when they need to, and to focus deeply on their work for long periods of time without being interrupted
  • Giving children academic choice within limits (they may be required to complete certain tasks, but it’s okay if they choose the order in which the tasks are done)
  • Creating flexible seating choices so that children have options to sit alone or with friends, in a chair or on the floor


Advanced Academic Expectations


Parents in our community often recognize that our curriculum tends to exceed the scope of what is taught elsewhere. We do not push children to learn what is beyond their capabilities, we just know that children are capable of more than most people realize. When given the opportunity, they can amaze us all.


We honor the fact that every single child develops at their own rate, and there is no set time for various skills to be mastered. It is not uncommon, however, for Montessori students to:

  • Be reading before they enter kindergarten
  • Be working with numbers into the thousands at age four
  • Have an understanding of basic grammatical principles at age five
  • Engage with basic geometry concepts not typically introduced until years later
  • Enjoy skills and content taught in the areas of biology and geography beginning at age three
  • Learn cursive handwriting before entering elementary school
  • Begin adding large numbers and have a basic understanding of exchanging for tens


Deep-Dives Into Areas of Personal Interest


One of the best parts of being in a Montessori classroom is being allowed the time to explore one’s own interests. Because of the flexible nature of the day, kids can practice various skills while learning about what creates a spark for them.


Are they into dinosaurs? We provide books, paper, and art supplies for them to write about and draw diagrams of these ancient creatures.

Are they proud of their family’s culture and heritage? We make space for children and families to give presentations and share their traditions.


Do they dream about being a vet as an adult? Older children may be given more responsibilities to care for class pets, and they often find creative ways to connect the zoology curriculum to the animals they know and love in real life.


In a Montessori classroom, the possibilities really are endless. The experience is unlike anything that can be found in other educational settings, and each year we can give our children a Montessori education is a gift.


Still have questions? Please don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know how we can support you and your child.

Supporting Your Child's Fresh Start At A Montessori School

By Alison Petersen • September 5, 2025
Starting school marks an important milestone for both children and their parents. Transitioning into a Montessori environment—with its distinctive approach to learning—can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty. At Pincushion Hill Montessori School, we’re committed to helping families navigate this change with confidence and ease. Talk About What to Expect Children tend to feel more at ease when they know what’s coming. Take some time to talk with your child about what a typical day at a Montessori school might be like. Let them know they'll have the freedom to choose activities that interest them and that they'll be learning alongside children of different ages. Explain that their teachers—often called guides—are there to support their learning and exploration, not just give directions. You might say something like: “You’ll start the day by saying hello to your teacher and friends, then you can pick something fun to work on—maybe building with blocks or practicing writing. Sometimes you’ll work alone, and other times you’ll do things with others.” Encourage Independence at Home Montessori education places a strong emphasis on independence. To help your child adjust smoothly, start encouraging independence at home. Simple tasks like getting dressed, putting away toys, or helping set the table can boost their confidence. When children realize they can do things on their own, they’re better prepared for the choices and responsibilities they’ll encounter in the classroom. These kinds of activities also reflect the Montessori idea of “learning by doing,” which is at the heart of the method. Create a Consistent Routine Routines help children feel safe and lower anxiety during new experiences. In the weeks leading up to the first day, try to follow a consistent morning schedule—waking up at the same time, having a healthy breakfast, and getting dressed on their own. You can also involve your child in getting ready the night before by letting them choose their outfit and pack their school bag. Talking about what they’re excited for the next day can also build a sense of anticipation and comfort. These small routines help foster responsibility and a smooth start to each school day. Get Ready Emotionally, Too Starting school is a big step—not just for your child, but for you as well. It’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions: pride, nervousness, maybe even a little sadness. Keep in mind that your child is likely to sense your mood, so staying calm and positive can help reassure them. If you’re feeling uneasy, remind yourself of the many benefits of Montessori education—its focus on nurturing independence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Trust in the process, and in the guides who are there to support your child as they begin this new adventure.

How Can Parents Support Montessori Principles at Home?

By Alison Petersen • August 22, 2025
Practicing Montessori At Home