The NWT Montessori Society offers Primary Casa classrooms at two separate locations. The Yellowknife Montessori School houses two Primary Casa classrooms, with an additional classroom located at École Įtłʼǫ̀ . A full day is 8:15am-5:25pm. Morning Care programs are offered at the downtown location (space permitting). Elementary After School programs are also offered at NJ Macpherson School (spaces permitting). Details can be found on this page.
To succeed in our program, students must be fully potty trained. This means they require no hands on assistance when using the washroom. Our staff members will be there to coach any students that need help but this is a skill they are expected to have prior to their start date.
The minimum age for our program is 2.5 years old at the time school commences.
2024-2025 Casa School Year registration opened on March 2, 2024 at 9 AM.
Registration link below:
https://www.himama.com/online_registration/apply/nwt-montessori-society
Please indicate your preferred location in the additional notes section.
Casa Classes for 2024-2025 will be available at 2 locations:
– 5212 52nd St
– École Įtłʼǫ̀
2023 – 2024 Casa School Year Details
- Our Caregiver Handbook outlines the Casa program and provides daily schedules, rules and regulations.
- Registration will be for an 8:15 – 5:25 day with the option of adding morning care (7:40 – 8:15) at our Downtown Location.
- Our school calendar can be found here.
- Our fees for 2024-2025 can be found here.
- The Casa program participates in a variety of weekly classes from gymnastics to music, dance, yoga and art. These activities are included in the fees.
The Absorbent Mind
Children in the Primary Casa Program possess what Dr. Montessori called the absorbent mind, the ability to absorb all aspects of one’s culture and environment without effort or fatigue. As an aid to this period of the child’s self-construction, individual work is encouraged. The following areas of activity cultivate the children’s adaptation and ability to express and think with clarity.
Practical Life Exercises
Practical Life Exercises instill care for self, for others, and for the environment. Activities include many of the tasks children see as part of the daily routine in their home, such as preparing food and washing dishes, along with exercises of grace and courtesy. Through these tasks, children develop muscular coordination, enabling movement and the exploration of their surroundings. They learn to work at a task from beginning to end, and develop their powers of control and concentrations.
Sensorial Materials
Sensorial Materials serve as tools for development. Children build cognitive skills, and learn to order and classify impressions by touching, seeing, smelling, tasting, listening, and exploring the physical properties of their environment.
Mathematics
Mathematics activities help children learn and understand the concepts of math by manipulating concrete materials. This work gives children a solid understanding of basic mathematical principles, prepares them for later abstract reasoning, and helps to develop problem-solving capabilities.
Language Development
Language Development is vital to human development. The Montessori environment is rich in oral language opportunities, allowing the child to experience conversations, stories and poetry. The sandpaper letters help children link sound and symbol effortlessly, encouraging the development of written expression and reading skills. To further reading development, children are exposed to the study of grammar.
Culture
Culture – Geography, Biology, Botany, Zoology, Art and Music are presented as extensions of the sensorial and language activities. Children learn about people and cultures in other countries with an attitude of respect and admiration. Through familiarity, children come to feel connected to the global human family. Lessons and experiences with nature inspire a reverence for all life.