The Program
Our program serves children in TK through 2nd grade, blending Montessori foundations, Project-Based Learning, and Waldorf inspiration in a modern one-room schoolhouse model. Each day balances literacy and math with hands-on projects, art, storytelling, gardening, and outdoor exploration. At Jain Montessori, learning comes alive — children investigate big ideas, collaborate with peers, and grow into confident, compassionate learners who love school.
The Pillars of Jain Montessori
-
Dr. Maria Montessori
Rooted in the work of Dr. Maria Montessori, our program empowers children to become independent, confident, and joyful learners. In our carefully prepared environment, students move at their own pace, guided by individualized learning plans. Hands-on materials in math, language, and cultural studies build a strong academic foundation, while practical life and sensorial activities develop focus, coordination, and care for the world around them. At Jain Montessori, education is not rushed — it unfolds naturally, honoring each child’s unique journey.
-
John Dewey
Project-Based Learning grew out of the work of Dr. John Dewey, a progressive educator who believed children learn best through meaningful, hands-on experiences. His ideas were expanded by William Kilpatrick and, more recently, developed into modern frameworks by organizations like PBLWorks. PBL emphasizes inquiry, problem-solving, and collaboration, allowing children to explore real-world challenges in a purposeful way.
At Jain Montessori, PBL is woven into our daily rhythm. Students dive into projects sparked by curiosity — from designing gardens and studying ecosystems to creating community maps and storytelling exhibits. These projects naturally integrate literacy, math, science, and the arts, while cultivating independence, teamwork, and creativity. Through PBL, children learn not just about the world, but how to thoughtfully contribute to it.
-
Rudolf Steiner
The Waldorf approach, founded by Rudolf Steiner, emphasizes educating the whole child — head, heart, and hands. At Jain Montessori, we draw on this philosophy by creating a rhythm of learning that balances academics with imagination, beauty, and play. Children engage in storytelling, seasonal crafts, watercolor painting, and beeswax modeling, while also experiencing the unstructured joy of imaginative play, both indoors and outdoors. These experiences enrich academic study while nurturing creativity, wonder, and a deep sense of joy in learning.
Jain’s Curriculum
Language Arts
Our literacy program is both structured and soulful, designed to give children the skills and the love of reading. We combine explicit, multi-sensory instruction with a whole literature approach. Our teaching is informed by research-based practices, drawing on strategies from Montessori, Orton-Gillingham, Heggerty, the Science of Reading, and Lindamood-Bell. Through this integration, students strengthen phonics, vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, writing, and oral communication. Just as importantly, they are immersed in a rich variety of stories, genres, and authors that spark imagination, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of language.
Mathematics
Our math curriculum is grounded in the Montessori method, where children build understanding through hands-on exploration before moving to abstract concepts. Golden beads, number rods, and other tactile materials make math come alive, transforming numbers into meaningful patterns and relationships. Daily lessons build a strong foundation in number sense, operations, geometry, measurement, and data analysis. Problem-solving and critical thinking are emphasized through practical applications and real-world scenarios, helping students see math not just as a subject — but as a powerful tool for understanding the world.
Science
Our science curriculum sparks curiosity and wonder through inquiry-based learning. Children become explorers and problem-solvers, engaging in hands-on experiments and project-based investigations that connect classroom learning to the natural world. Whether planting seeds, studying ecosystems, experimenting with force and motion, or designing simple engineering projects, students learn to observe, hypothesize, test, and draw conclusions. Frequent outdoor exploration deepens this work, helping children integrate life science, earth science, physical science, environmental studies, and engineering into meaningful, real-world experiences.
Social Studies
Our social studies curriculum helps children understand themselves, their community, and the wider world. Through thematic units and project-based activities, students explore geography, history, civics, and cultural traditions in meaningful, age-appropriate ways. They learn about diverse cultures and historical events while fostering empathy, respect, and global awareness. Community engagement and civic responsibility are central, whether through class projects, local field trips, or service activities. Social studies at Jain empowers children to see their role as thoughtful, compassionate members of both their local and global community.
Art
Inspired by the Waldorf philosophy, our art program celebrates creativity, imagination, and beauty as essential parts of learning. Children explore painting, drawing, handcrafts, and drama in ways that nurture fine motor skills, coordination, and a deep appreciation for aesthetics. Art is not a stand-alone subject — it flows through the curriculum, often woven into math, science, literacy, and cultural studies. From watercolor painting and sculpture to collage and mixed media, each project invites children to express themselves, make connections, and experience the joy of creating.
Play
At Jain Montessori, play is not separate from learning — it is at the heart of it. Through imaginative play, building, outdoor exploration, and games, children develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and creativity. Play builds community, strengthens social-emotional growth, and allows children to process the world in ways that structured lessons cannot. Whether in the mud kitchen, caring for animals, or engaging in dramatic play, students are practicing cooperation, empathy, and independence. We see play as purposeful, joyful work that nurtures the whole child — mind, body, and spirit.
Daily Rhythm
At Jain Montessori, our days follow a steady rhythm that balances structure with freedom. Drop-off begins at 8:45 AM, with time for children to ease into the morning through play and connection. From 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM, students move through a flow of Montessori lessons, project-based explorations, outdoor play, artistic expression, and community circle. Our rhythm provides both consistency and space for curiosity, ensuring that every child feels secure, engaged, and joyful each day.
Progress & Assessment’s
At Jain Montessori, assessment is not a test — it’s a conversation. We use continuous, formative assessments to understand each child’s progress and guide instruction. Every student has an individualized learning plan that is regularly updated to reflect their growth, strengths, and next steps. Families are part of this journey: we share updates through parent meetings, report cards, and our communication app, creating a partnership that ensures each child is supported, challenged, and celebrated.