Elementary students study a rigorous curriculum based in science, geography, arithmetic, geometry, language, grammar, and history that follow the outline of Maria Montessori's five Great Lessons. Children pursue their own interests and challenges within this curriculum, developing a love of learning through accomplishing meaningful work.

Learn more about Elementary Montessori: (Link)

Students in elementary are placed in one of six lower elementary or six upper elementary multi-age Montessori classrooms. Once placed, students typically remain in their classroom for three years. We carefully consider each student’s individual needs and use the following criteria to create compatible and balanced classrooms:

● Gender Diversity
● Balance of achievement levels
● Equal class sizes across the level
● Students identified for special services
● Separation of students who do not perform well together
● Parent input based on academic and social/emotional needs or concerns

Requests for a specific teacher are not accepted. Final decisions for class placement rest with school personnel. In elementary, we do not place siblings in the same classroom unless they are in the same grade level (i.e. twins) and parents have requested it), as this is required by Minnesota law.

Students receive regular feedback on their work from guides through work conferencing and planning. Students receive narrative assessments to support their progress and goal setting at the end of each semester. Parents should contact guides directly to inquire about the progress of their children through the learning plan and process. Official Elementary progress reports are mailed home in February and in June along with a FastBridge Parent Report.

Upper Elementary students go on a key experience trip to Camp Widjiwagan every fall. For more information about GRS Key Experiences (click here - need link).