Toddlers
Our toddler community has been designed to encourage the natural development of children between the ages of 15 months and 3 years old. We provide a five day program (8:30-3:15) that offers a consistent schedule including morning and afternoon snack, morning work period, toilet learning, outdoor exploration, lunch, and nap.
The thoughtfully prepared, homelike environment meets the toddler’s desire for order and movement while providing a safe and language rich experience. The very young child’s desire for functional independence is fostered through specially timed lessons by our Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) trained guide and two assistants. Our young friends build confidence and experience the joy of doing things for themselves while exploring what it means to fit into a small social community. Whenever they have exhausted the toddler community and mastered their toilet learning we support a seamless transition into our Primary programs
"I could write an essay on how my daughter joined PMS in the last year and graduated from her primary class reading chapter books and doing long addition and subtraction with multiple numbers. She’s well beyond her kindergarten peers, and my younger son's pride in his work and love of learning has grown beyond expectation."
"I am so happy that my son is spending his kindergarten year in a Montessori environment where his knowledge, self-control, kindness, sense of purpose, and confidence have all grown by leaps and bounds."
"As parents, our ultimate goal is for our child to make independent, healthy and confident choices so he can be a happy and productive person wherever he is in life. We are thankful he is with Miss Jennifer's elementary class and The Portland Montessori School community, where he is developing those traits."
"I have taught in public schools for the past ten years, including six years in kindergarten, and I can attest that Montessori is different, special, and provides an optimum setting for children's growth and development."
"Our son sincerely loves his guide, who shows him authentic kindness, warmth, and non-judgmental acceptance. Under her guidance, he has become a self-directed, competent, and curious learner who cares about the world and others around him."