Montessori School in Cary, NC

Heartwood Montessori School:
Heartwood Montessori School, located in the heart of Cary, North Carolina, is a private Montessori School offering quality education for children ages 18 months to fifteen years. Our school provides a varied curriculum based on the Montessori method. The Montessori approach encourages children to learn through self-motivation within a carefully prepared environment. The multi-age setting offers the child an opportunity to relate to, and work with others at his/her developmental level. At all levels and in all areas, Heartwood places the needs of the child first. The staff believes that children, not subjects, are taught. Respect for the child is the cornerstone of Heartwood's philosophy.

Enrichment Programs Include:
- Spanish
- P.E.
- Art
- Keyboarding
- Music
& more...

Toddler House-ages 18 months to 3 years:
In the Toddler classroom, we are working on skills that will prepare the child to be able to understand academic concepts. In order for the mind to process learning, learning must first be done through the hands. Before age six, a child learns from direct contact with the environment, by means of all the senses, and through movement, the child literally absorbs what is in the carefully prepared classroom. Toddler children are provided with a fluid learning environment and hands-on activities that meet their developmental needs in the areas of cognition, gross & fine motor skills, language, independence, and social skills.

Preschool-ages 3-6 years:
Children are eligible for the preschool class at age three. In keeping with Montessori tradition, there is a multi-age group of three to six year olds in the morning program. The children remain with their classmates and teachers for three years. This allows children expanding opportunities for work and social interaction.

Kindergarten:
The kindergarten children remain together in the afternoon for special activities appropriate for their stage of development. The peer group becomes important at this age and the children enjoy their special time together. This afternoon group has an opportunity to know the feeling of team cooperation while developing leadership skills. Continuing the child in the Montessori program in the kindergarten year allows him/her to realize concepts and skills that were previously experienced and practiced, but not yet mastered.

Transition Class (ages 5-7):
This program is designed for children who may need expanded curriculum opportunities in a setting that supports emotional and social development without the larger age span of a lower elementary classroom. It is rich in math, language and reading, and the cultural subjects. The 5 year old does not have the full range of Practical Life and Sensorial materials that are available in a 3-6 year old classroom.

Elementary Program:
The Elementary program is designed to promote a love of knowledge, a high level of personal independence, and a lasting sense of self worth and academic competence. Each student is encouraged to work at his or her individual potential and to develop, both academically and socially, to the best of his or her own ability. At Heartwood, students are able to learn at their own pace. The supportive peer group setting allows for social growth. A relaxed atmosphere is combined with a sense of order and understanding. Learning is a natural part of this environment.

Middle School Program:
The overall goal of the Middle School is to help the whole student develop while imparting the academic tools necessary for success in high school, college, and the working environment. The adolescent from ages 12-15 is experiencing a significant transformation into a new plane of development. This period of growth is marked by dramatic physical and psychological changes. It is the time in life when students need solidarity with peers, question rules and beliefs, and exhibit an increased desire for independence.