Lower Elementary Program Curriculum (Ages 6–9)

The Lower Elementary credential comprises 13 required courses delivered through a flexible blended model of self-paced online learning and an immersive residency. This track is uniquely designed to guide adult learners through the academic and interdisciplinary needs of the second-plane child.

Flexible Online Coursework (Self-Paced)

Foundational Studies

• Montessori Philosophy (FDN): Core principles, cosmic education, and adapting Montessori theory to the elementary years.

• Observation & Classroom Management (OBS): Techniques for objective observation, developmental milestones (ages 6–9), and classroom community building.

Language Arts

• Expression, Handwriting, & Whole Language (LNCE): Oral expression, creative writing, and early literacy immersion.

• Phonics, Spelling, and Punctuation (LNPH): Word-building mechanics, spelling analysis, reading comprehension, and structural grammar.

Mathematics & Geometry

• Numeration & Place Value (MTNU): Advanced place value and base-10 concepts using concrete Montessori materials.

• Addition & Multiplication Operations (MTOP): Moving from concrete materials to abstract addition and multiplication. (Prereq: MTNU)

• Subtraction & Division Operations (MTAO): Completing the four core operations with large numbers using advanced material sequences. (Prereq: MTNU)

• Geometry Studies (MTGM): Geometric concepts, nomenclature, and spatial reasoning tailored for the 6–9 mind.

Cultural & Integrated Studies

• Big Picture of the Universe (CBPU): The foundational Cosmic Science curriculum, including physics, chemistry, astronomy, and earth science.

• Earth & Human Studies (CEHS): Geography, biology (botany/zoology), history timelines, and human fundamental needs across cultures.

Foundation Bridge

• Early Childhood Practical Life & Sensorial Bridge (PRSE): Connecting physical and sensorial early childhood foundations to the lower elementary classroom framework. (25 virtual self-paced hours)

Summer Residency Experience

A high-impact blend of hands-on laboratory practice and flexible virtual coursework.

• In-Person Intensive (RESS-ELI) | Birmingham, AL or McCordsville, IN: A 10-day (80-hour) hands-on laboratory where adult learners master Montessori materials, present live lessons, participate in workshops, and collaborate with peers.

Practicum & Field Experience

• Field Internship (PRED) | Full Academic Year (Sept–June): A year-long, school-based teaching internship at an approved location, managed online with local supervision and dedicated mentor check-ins. (Location approval required)

Elementary I-II Program Curriculum

Our combined Elementary credential comprises 17 courses delivered through flexible online learning and an extensive summer residency. Spanning both the first and second planes of development (ages 6–12), this program equips educators to guide the full elementary spectrum.

Foundational Courses

• Montessori Philosophy (FDN): Core principles, cosmic education, and developmental transitions (3–12).
• Observation & Classroom Management (OBS): Objective observation, multi-age management, milestone tracking, and community building.

Curriculum & Methodology

• Language & Literacy:
  • Expression & Language (LNCE): Oral expression, handwriting, and early literacy immersion.
  • Phonics & Mechanics (LNPH): Word-building, spelling analysis, reading comprehension, and punctuation.
  • Grammar & Composition (LNGR): Grammar symbols, sentence analysis, and advanced composition.
• Mathematics:
  • Numeration & Place Value (MTNU): Concrete place value and base-10 foundations.
  • Addition & Multiplication (MTOP): Transitioning operations from concrete to abstract. 
  • Subtraction & Division (MTAO): Advanced operations with large numbers. 
  • Geometry (MTGM): Nomenclature, spatial reasoning, and elementary theorems.
  • Fractions & Decimals (MTFR): Rational numbers using concrete material sequences.
  • Decimals & Algebra (MTAL): Algebraic concepts, square roots, and advanced decimal work.
• Cosmic & Cultural Studies:
  • Cosmic Science (CBPU): Physics, chemistry, astronomy, and earth science.
  • Earth & Human Studies (CEHS): Geography, botany, zoology, history timelines, and human needs.
• Specialized & Advanced Studies:
  • Practical Life & Sensorial Bridge (PRSE): Connecting early childhood foundations to the elementary framework.
  • Advanced Upper Elementary Synthesis (RESS-ELV): Interdisciplinary project-based learning and advanced material extensions.

Practicum

• Field Experience (PRED): A full academic year (Sept–June) of supervised, school-based teaching at an approved location, supported by online instructor mentorship.

Summer Residency Components

A flexible, blended model combining hands-on practice with cost-effective virtual learning.

• In-Person Intensive (RESS-ELI-II) | Birmingham, AL or McCordsville, IN: A 15-day (120-hour) hands-on laboratory for material mastery, live presentations, and peer networking.
• Virtual Early Childhood Bridge (PRSE): 25 self-paced virtual hours focused on Practical Life and Sensorial foundations.
• Virtual Advanced Synthesis (RESS-ELV): 51 self-paced virtual hours focused on upper elementary language, math, and cultural coursework.

School Leadership Diploma Program

The Montessori Live School Leadership Diploma program is MACTE-accredited and tailored for current and aspiring Montessori school administrators, founders, and leaders.

Program Structure

• Foundational Courses (9 weeks, Virtual)

  • Montessori Philosophy (FDN): Core principles, human development, and foundational theory.

  • Observation & Environment (OBS): Objective observation techniques and classroom dynamic management.

• Curriculum & Administration (15 weeks, Virtual)

  • Survey of Montessori Curriculum (SMCU): Comprehensive overview of 3–12 curriculum scope and sequences.

  • Practical Applications for Administrators (PRAA): School operations, staff leadership, governance, and community relations.

• Summer Residency (40 hours / 5 days, In-Person)

  • Administrator Residency (RESADM) | Birmingham, AL: An interactive, face-to-face intensive focusing on administrative scenarios, leadership development, and peer networking.

• Practicum & Internship (700 hours)

  • Administrative Field Experience: On-site internship integrated directly into your role at an approved school location.

Course Commitment & Certification

• Weekly Time Commitment: Expect to dedicate 5–7 hours per week per course.

• Professional Certificates: A Professional Development Completion Certificate is awarded after successfully completing each course module.

• MACTE Accreditation: Adult learners who complete all coursework, residency, and practicum requirements earn a full MACTE-accredited School Leadership Diploma.

Description of Assignments

Our coursework is designed to combine self-paced flexibility with personalized, direct instructor guidance. Below is an overview of the core assignment types you will complete throughout your program.

Coursework & Independent Learning

• Pre-Recorded Video Chats & Lectures: All course lectures and thematic discussions are fully pre-recorded and available on-demand, allowing you to learn at your own pace whenever your schedule permits.

• Module & Lecture Summaries: Brief written reflections and key takeaway summaries to reinforce core concepts from video content.

• Asynchronous Discussion Forums: Interactive online discussion boards where you can collaborate, share perspectives, and engage with course topics alongside your peers.

• Practical Coursework & Projects: Hands-on assignments tailored to real-world teaching, including comprehensive lesson planning, material making, essay writing, and child observation logs.

Lesson Observation & Instructor Check-Ins

• Recorded Lesson Presentations: For each module or course, you will record yourself delivering a hands-on Montessori lesson presentation.

• 1-on-1 Synchronous Instructor Reviews: After submitting your recorded lesson, you will meet live (virtually) with your course instructor to review your presentation, receive personalized coaching, and discuss constructive feedback.

Practicum Requirements

• Live Synchronous Chats (Practicum Only): During your year-long practicum internship, you will participate in 10 live virtual chat sessions designed for real-time peer collaboration, group reflection, and direct guidance from your practicum supervisor.

• Field Observations: Formal observational assessments conducted to mentor your ongoing classroom practice and growth.