Elementary: Beyond the Pink Tower

The KMS Elementary Program meets the State of Tennessee curriculum guidelines while progressively moving students from concrete learning procedures to more abstract analytic processes.

The Elementary classroom relies on the student assuming greater responsibility and initiative in the learning process. Traditional activities are blended with Montessori materials to continue the strong emphasis on language and math development. A consistent focus on problem-solving governs classroom interaction.

The curriculum is organized into five major areas.

• Language: Reading, writing, spelling, and oral expression are at the center of the curriculum. Research projects are used to integrate reading and writing skills. Library visits are made weekly.
• Mathematics: Mathematical abstractions -- including numeration, place value, geometry, algebra, and the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division -- are introduced according to each student's readiness. Math problem-solving is increasingly used to develop applied math skills.
• Culture: Cultural subjects such as history, science, art, and music are presented in both group and individual lessons. Classroom work is supplemented by regular field trips to plays, concerts, museums, and other cultural events and institutions.
• Advanced Geography: Montessori map work becomes more detailed, with students identifying all countries, major cities, bodies of water, and major landforms.
• Friday Recreation: In addition to daily exercise on our playground, Friday-afternoon outings provide a recreational outlet that contributes to students' physical development and enhances their social skills. During winter months, ice skating replaces outdoor activities.

The TCAP standardized achievement test is given annually to all elementary students.

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