Kinder Studio

No — the Kinder Studio is fully integrated within the Primary Studio (ages 3–6). It represents the Leadership/Capstone Year, the final year of the Montessori Primary cycle. Learners remain with their same guides and peers while engaging in more advanced, Kindergarten-level lessons in reading, writing, and math, along with one-on-one instruction and leadership opportunities throughout the day.

Readiness is based on a combination of academic skills, emotional maturity, and independence. Guides observe learners throughout the year to identify who is prepared for Kindergarten-level lessons in reading, writing, and math. Families can also review readiness during Journey Meetings (parent conferences), where your learner’s progress and next steps are discussed.

Typically, learners are 4.5–6.5 years old, but placement is determined by developmental readiness rather than strict age.

Learners develop skills at first-grade level or beyond, depending on their individual, self-paced progress in reading, math, independence, and social-emotional readiness. Through individualized lessons, hands-on Montessori materials, optional adaptive technology, and leadership opportunities, learners are prepared for the Discovery Studio or whichever next step is best for them.

Learners follow the Primary Studio daily rhythm, with additional focused instruction in the afternoon:

• One-on-one or small group lessons with Guides

• Hands-on Montessori manipulatives for reading, math, and writing

• Optional adaptive technology rotations

• Leadership and peer mentoring opportunities, which can also arise naturally during the first and/or second work cycle if a learner is motivated and inspired to do so

Learners use 14-inch touchscreen Chromebooks, chosen for ease of use by young learners. The touchscreen aligns with Montessori’s emphasis on sensory-based, tactile interaction.

Technology is a support tool, not a replacement for hands-on work. It is used in short, structured segments (typically 15 minutes of reading + 15 minutes of math) to reinforce concepts introduced with Montessori materials, providing additional practice and feedback while maintaining Montessori’s core principles of self-directed learning.

Adaptive software tailors lessons to each learner’s level and pace using AI. As learners progress, it adjusts to provide new challenges or additional practice as needed. Guides also access dashboard insights to identify learning bottlenecks and provide targeted one-on-one instruction.

Yes. All devices have SafeSearch and administrative restrictions, allowing access only to approved apps and websites. Guides closely monitor each session to ensure a safe, focused learning environment.

Group size is intentionally small to mirror Montessori ratios, ensuring individualized attention. During focused work cycles, only a subset of Kinder-ready learners participates at a time, allowing for calm, productive, guided learning.

• Technology Cycle: Up to 6 learners at a time, allowing Guides to provide individualized support

• Montessori Manipulatives: Small groups or one-on-one based on developmental needs This system balances personalized instruction, peer collaboration, and independent work, consistent with Montessori principles.

No — participation is optional. Learners can focus solely on hands-on Montessori work if preferred. All core learning outcomes are met with or without technology.

The Kinder Studio is the capstone of the Montessori Primary cycle — the time when everything comes together. Learners transition from exploration to mastery, take on leadership roles, and strengthen core academic skills in reading, writing, and math within a familiar, supportive environment. Staying through this year allows learners to gain confidence, independence, and readiness for their next stage of learning.

Absolutely. The Kinder Studio day includes meaningful play, outdoor time, and social learning, in addition to focused academic extensions and leadership opportunities appropriate to each learner’s readiness.

Families receive updates through Journey Meetings twice per year, where progress, readiness, and next steps are reviewed. Guides are also available through the Procare app for questions or smaller updates between meetings.

The Kinder Studio pilot will begin in January 2026, introducing learners and Guides to the new routine with small groups, one-on-one sessions, and Technology Cycles. This gradual rollout allows the program to fine-tune scheduling and instruction, ensuring a smooth full launch in February 2026.