Kinder Studio

No — the Kinder Studio is part of the Primary Studio, which serves ages 3–6. It represents the third and final year of the Montessori Primary cycle, designed for learners who are ready for Kindergarten-level work. Learners stay with their same guides and peers while taking on new challenges and leadership opportunities during specific times of the day.

Readiness is determined by a combination of academic ability, emotional maturity, and independence. Guides observe learners throughout the year to determine who is ready for extended one-on-one instruction and Kindergarten-level lessons in reading, writing, and math. You can also discuss this further during one of the two annual Journey Meetings (parent conferences), where we review your learner’s progress report and discuss any other relevant information.

All devices are equipped with preinstalled SafeSearch settings and are locked down to only allow access to apps and sites that the school administrator approves and pushes to each laptop. Guides closely monitor use during every technology session.

Learners will use 14-inch touchscreen Chromebooks, specifically chosen for young learners. The touchscreen feature makes navigation intuitive and tactile, aligning with Montessori’s emphasis on sensory-based interaction.

We understand that Kinder learners are still developing responsibility and coordination. Laptops are pre-positioned on tables prior to use; learners simply collect their headphones and await instruction. This system minimizes movement and handling, reducing the chance of accidental damage.

Adaptive software uses AI (artificial intelligence) to tailor lessons to each learner’s individual level and pace. As a learner progresses, the program automatically adjusts to provide new challenges or additional practice where needed. It’s like having a personalized digital guide that reinforces skills through repetition and self-paced exploration.

Another key advantage is that guides have access to a backend user dashboard that provides detailed insights into each learner’s progress. This allows guides to identify areas where bottlenecks may occur and to focus their one-on-one instruction more effectively, ensuring every learner receives targeted support right where they need it most.

Technology is a support tool, not a replacement for hands-on work. It’s used sparingly — just 15 minutes of reading and 15 minutes of math during specific sessions — to reinforce concepts first introduced with Montessori materials. It offers learners additional practice and feedback while maintaining Montessori’s core principles of self-directed, experiential learning.

This is determined by the number of learners that are ready. The Kinder Studio remains intentionally small. Because it is part of the Primary Studio, group size mirrors our standard Montessori ratios — ensuring learners receive individualized attention and plenty of one-on-one time with their guides. During focused Kinder work cycles, only a small group of learners will participate at once, allowing for calm, productive, and guided learning.

During each cycle, learners are grouped to provide maximum support and engagement.

• In the Technology Cycle, only 6 Kinder-ready learners participate at a time, allowing guides to closely monitor progress and provide individual support.

• During Montessori Manipulatives cycles, learners may work in small groups or one-on-one with a guide, depending on developmental needs.

• This system balances personalized instruction, peer collaboration, and independent work, consistent with Montessori principles.

Kinder-ready learners rotate through Montessori manipulatives and technology cycles according to a weekly rhythm.

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Technology Cycle — learners spend 15 minutes on adaptive reading and 15 minutes on adaptive math.

• Tuesday, Thursday: Montessori Manipulatives — focused on core skills in reading, math, and writing.

This rotation ensures learners benefit from hands-on learning while also reinforcing skills through personalized digital practice.

No. The Technology Cycle is fully optional. Families may opt out if they prefer their learner to focus solely on hands-on Montessori work. All core learning outcomes are met with or without technology.

The Kindergarten year 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 a familiar, supportive environment.

Leaving before this stage can interrupt that natural progression. Staying through Kindergarten allows learners to experience the full benefit of the Montessori model, gaining confidence, independence, and readiness for the next stage of learning.

Absolutely. The Kinder Studio day still includes meaningful play, outdoor time, and social learning. The difference is that Kinder-ready learners also enjoy focused academic extensions and leadership opportunities appropriate for their developmental stage.

Communication remains a priority. Families receive updates through Journey Meetings (parent conferences) twice per year, where we review progress reports, discuss readiness, and collaborate on goals. Guides are also available through the Procare app for smaller updates or questions in between meetings.

The December pilot allows guides and learners to ease into the new routine before the full program begins on January 7. During the pilot, learners will explore the new one-on-one sessions, technology cycles, and work rhythms in small groups. This gradual rollout helps guides fine-tune the schedule and ensures that when January arrives, the Kinder Studio operates seamlessly within the Primary Studio day.