An Introduction to Multi-Age Environments

At Community Montessori, learning is more than just what happens in the classroom; it’s a journey that unfolds from a child’s earliest experiences all the way through their teenage years. Each of our programs is thoughtfully designed to meet children where they are, supporting their natural growth toward independence, curiosity, and community.

One defining feature of Montessori education is our mult-age approach, which begins at birth and continues throughout elementary, middle, and high school years.  Learners work together in “levels” that include three-year age groupings. These multi-age environments allow learners to stay with the same teachers for a three-year cycle, fostering deep relationships, leadership opportunities, and a sense of community that supports each child’s unique growth. 

Early Education 

In our Early Education environments, children ages 3-6 begin to discover the joy of doing things for themselves. Every material, every interaction, and every routine is designed to help them develop concentration, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Within these multi-age environments, younger children have the opportunity to learn from older peers, and older children grow into natural leaders and helpers. Through this process, they build the foundations not only for academic success but for social and emotional growth. 

Early Education learners on the Back 4 (ages 3-5)

Elementary

The elementary years are filled with exploration as learners are eager to understand how the world works and their place in it. At this stage, learners work in two age groups, Biomes (ages 6-9) and Gemstones (ages 9-12). Our program is built around eight core constructs that guide development of the whole child: social, emotional, intellectual, aesthetic, physical, moral, creative, and school success. With the support of caring guides, children learn joyfully and collaboratively in environments that encourage both independence and interdependence. They are given the freedom to follow their curiosity while learning how to work together with respect and cooperation. 

Gemstones Camping Trip (Upper Elementary, Ages 9-12)

Teens

As children move into adolescence, their needs change in many meaningful ways, and our Teen Programs provide an environment that honors this important transition, offering a new perspective on what it means to learn and grow during the teenage years. Continuing our multi-age model, learners ages 12-14 are part of the Islands studios, and learners ages 14-18 make up the Woods studios. At CM, teens experience an atmosphere of mutual respect between adults and learners, recognizing that everyone has something to teach and something to learn. The work of these years focuses on developing independence and social responsibility, helping adolescents understand their value, their capabilities, and their impact on the world around them. 

Islands Learners gather for group (ages 12-14)