Curriculum Overview

CLICK HERE to view our whole-school curriculum overview. This document provides the general topics and lessons that the children are introduced to at each level. You can get a printed copy in the office.

Co-Curriculum

Damariscotta Montessori School prides itself on the strength of its academic curriculum, as well as its support of the social and emotional development of the child. We also recognize there are other areas of study that can serve to enrich the overall educational experience. These are a few of the experiences we weave into the learning at DMS:

lATIN

Beginning in lower elementary, classroom teachers begin giving students Latin lessons and weaving it into the weekly curriculum. There are formal lessons as well as moments in the traditional Montessori curriculum that integrate Latin as well. For example, a teacher may pause to point out that quadrilateral comes from the Latin words quadra (four) and latus/later (side). 

The ARts: mUSIC & Visual Art

In addition to music instruction in the classrooms, our music teacher is available to give optional lessons on ukulele and guitar.

Art is a part of the Montessori environment in every classroom. Art is one of the ways children express themselves, develop fine-motor skills, and explore their creativity. Art is integrated into many assignments and activities.

In Elementary and Middle School, children receive weekly direct, organized instruction in the Arts.

Physical Education & Healthy Living

Movement, the development of gross motor skills, and teamwork are taught through the physical education program and our long recess times. Lunch is at least 30 minutes, and our mid-day recess is 45 minutes for 1st-8th-grade students. Younger children may have shorter but more frequent times outside. The longer recess for 1st-8th grade allows them ample time to explore our wooded area, join an organized game/sport, play creative games, build fairy houses, or just relax on our beautiful playground.

Students in K-8th grade will have P.E. class once per week. This is separate from recess and often concentrates on a specific skill, game, or a Healthy Living topic (like nutrition, stretching, muscle names, etc.)

Extra-curriculars:

Offerings vary, but parent volunteers have led programs for children across many subject areas. Past offerings have included soccer, trail running, private music lessons, and Lego robotics.

Outdoor Classroom/Nature Trail

At DMS we consider the outdoors to be an extension of the classroom environment. Beyond our gardens, we have outdoor space for lessons, as well as a nature trail that weaves through the woods and is available to children of all ages. Primary children can be seen taking walks with their teachers to find and identify leaf shapes, while older children use the natural surroundings as a means to find real-life examples of their work in botany, zoology, and biomes.

Summer Program

We offer a summer program for enrolled primary students and a two-week Bridge Camp for students entering our elementary program! Weekly themes change each year, so stay tuned to learn more.

Parent and Toddler Playgroup

We often host a parent-toddler playgroup on Wednesdays, from 9:00 to 10:30. It is currently paused as we find a parent volunteer to facilitate this lovely outdoor time. Make sure you have weather-appropriate gear, as we spend our time exploring the nature trail, and playing on our playground. For more information or to sign-up, email shawnalyt@damariscottamontessori.org