Enrichment & Support

World Culture

True to the Montessori Method, students at MSE see themselves as a part of the global community. Our World Culture and Language Curriculum supports this philosophy by offering Primary – 8th-grade students an innovative and developmentally responsive approach to language instruction. MSE strongly believes in foreign language instruction so that students can acquire a second language, and also support the physiological brain development that happens as a result.

World Languages 

Starting in our Primary level, students are exposed to the Spanish language and culture through songs, games, and celebrations. In our Lower and Upper Elementary programs, their language skill instruction is formalized through Conversation Class and integrated with learning about other cultures. The fifth-grade students are exposed to French, Spanish, Mandarin, and Italian during the second semester to prepare them to choose a language to focus on the following academic year. 

Starting in the 6th Year weekly classes include one Language Lab, one World Culture Class, and two Conversational Classes. This broad-based, innovative curriculum introduces them to basic conversation skills, encourages their curiosity about the world, and prepares them for further linguistic and cultural studies in high-school and beyond.

Experiential Education

We believe powerful learning happens outside the classroom. The Montessori philosophy emphasizes the importance of children being in nature, and we use our natural mountain setting to its full advantage. In Kinder Year, students hike Mount Falcon and participate in the annual Night Hike. Lower Elementary students spend an overnight at Cal Wood, and Upper Elementary students participate in multi-night trips that provide experience in the outdoors. Middle School students participate in peak climbs and hut trips to test their capabilities and refine their leadership skills as well as academic studies in Washington, DC and trips overseas.

Lower Elementary Trip to CalWood

Character Program

Our C.A.R.E. (Compassion, Attitude, Respect, and Excellence) Character Program reflects the Montessori belief in inclusivity, positive attitude, respect for self and others, and academic excellence. This ongoing program is part of the student’s everyday lives at MSE and is integrated into all content areas of our curriculum.

Learning Support

The Montessori approach to education is widely recognized as the pedagogy most able to meet the needs of a diverse group of students. At MSE, we differentiate the social, emotional, physical, and academic abilities of each student every day. Through teacher observation, assessment tools (such as project-based learning, presentations, and DIBELS testing), and insights from our Learning Support Team we identify students who may benefit from additional support. 

Service Learning

An integral part of Montessori education is to empower students to serve their communities - locally, nationally, and globally. From the youngest age, we offer students opportunities to serve others. Participation in events like the Hop-a-Thon, Bike-a-Thon, and the Senior Resource Center food drive, help our youngest students begin to understand the power of serving their community - locally and globally.

The Elementary age students support the local community and beyond through the Mountain Resource Center and the Evergreen Shelter through ECHO. These are just a few examples of how our students are involved in service learning.