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Primary Program

Ages 2.5 - 5 Years

Where Learning Begins with Joy

The Primary Program serves children ages 2.5 to 5 years old, emphasizing friendship, fun and a sense of community.

We foster a love of life and learning, along with a deep curiosity about the world, through Montessori education.

The Primary Program is offered across two classrooms — Room 1 (capacity 20) and Room 2 (capacity 14) — each following the same Montessori curriculum and daily rhythm, giving us room to serve more families while keeping every classroom small.

Primary classroom reading time at South Hills Montessori
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Oregon Child Care Subsidy (ERDC) Accepted

We accept ERDC (Employment Related Day Care), Oregon's child care subsidy program, for our Primary Class. Qualified families can use ERDC to offset tuition — making Montessori education more accessible than you might expect.

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Small Class Size

Two Primary classrooms, each staffed with a Lead Montessori teacher and assistant, ensuring personalized attention for each child: Room 1 (capacity 20) and Room 2 (capacity 14).

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Hands-On Learning

Didactic Montessori materials designed to invite exploration, activity, and the mastery of essential skills.

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Natural Development

Children learn at their own pace, developing independence, confidence, and a genuine love of learning.

A Day in the Primary Classroom

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Morning Work Cycle

Children choose their activities from carefully prepared materials, developing concentration and self-direction.

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Snack & Social Time

Healthy snacks provided morning and afternoon, fostering community and practical life skills.

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Outdoor Play

Daily outdoor time for gross motor development, exploration, and connection with nature.

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Quiet Rest Time

A peaceful midday rest helps younger children recharge, supporting healthy development and energized afternoon learning.

Daily Schedule

8:45 am
School starts, circle time
9:15 am
Work period begins
10:00 am
Morning snack
11:00 am
Outside playtime
11:30 am
Lunch
12:30 – 2:00 pm
Rest period
1:00 pm
Afternoon work time
2:00 pm
Closing circle
2:30 pm
Dismissal

Montessori Learning Areas

Our Primary classroom encompasses five key areas of development

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Practical Life

Care of self and environment

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Sensorial

Refining the senses

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Mathematics

Concrete to abstract

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Language

Reading and writing

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Culture

Geography, science, art

Primary Program FAQs

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Does my child need to be potty trained?

Yes — we ask that children be toilet trained before starting. We are not licensed for diapers, and only training pants (not pullups) are permitted.

New students should be 30 days accident-free before their start date (effective 9/22/2025). We know that transitions can sometimes bring small setbacks — teachers will work with families compassionately during the first 30-day adjustment period if this happens.

Not quite there yet? Many families find that the excitement of starting school gives potty training a big boost. See our potty training resources for guides, songs, and videos — or give us a call with questions at (541) 335-1632.

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Is rest time mandatory?

Yes. Rest time is required for all children under five years old. Resting is mandatory, and nap is available for those who need it.

What to bring: Parents must provide a labeled nap blanket that stays at school. Blankets go home each Friday for washing and return Monday mornings. Stuffed animals and pacifiers are not permitted during rest time.

👶 Primary Spaces Available Now!

Enroll for 2026-2027 School Year

Give your child the gift of Montessori education — schedule a tour or give us a call!

Primary Classroom Gallery