Pre-Primary · 18 Months–3 Years

Where independence begins.

Montessori-trained teachers guide our youngest learners toward growing independence through purposeful movement, language, and practical life experiences in a calm, carefully prepared environment.

A toddler smiling while working with Montessori cylinder blocks
The Toddler Environment

A calm, orderly world scaled to little hands.

Between 18 months and 3 years, children are in an extraordinary period of development, absorbing language, refining movement, and beginning to assert their independence. Our Pre-Primary classroom is prepared specifically for this stage: low shelves, child-sized furniture, and real, purposeful materials that invite toddlers to do things for themselves.

Guided by Montessori-trained educators, children practice everyday tasks like pouring, dressing, and caring for their environment, building concentration, coordination, and a genuine sense of accomplishment.

A toddler concentrating while working with Montessori cylinder blocks A young child practicing a pouring exercise as part of practical life work
What Children Experience

Four foundations of the Pre-Primary day.

Three Pre-Primary students putting on their own shoes, side by side

Practical Life

Pouring, spooning, dressing frames, and food preparation build fine motor control and real independence.

Language

Rich vocabulary, songs, and storytelling nurture the toddler's natural sensitivity to language.

Movement & Sensorial Exploration

Purposeful movement and sensorial materials refine coordination, balance, and concentration.

Grace & Courtesy

Toddlers learn to care for themselves, their peers, and their shared environment with gentle guidance.

A Pre-Primary teacher warmly holding a toddler on the playground swing
A Gentle Beginning Built on Trust

A gentle beginning, built on trust.

Beginning school is a significant transition for a young child and family. Our educators create a calm, predictable rhythm and take time to build a secure relationship with each child.

Separation may take time, and children express that transition in different ways. Through consistent routines, respectful communication, and close partnership with families, children gradually come to understand the classroom as a safe and familiar community.

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Trust Before Independence

Independence grows from security. Teachers first help children feel known, safe, and connected.

A Predictable Rhythm

Familiar routines help young children anticipate what comes next and participate with growing confidence.

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Respectful Support

Children are given patient, age-appropriate help without being rushed through the transition.

Partnership With Families

Teachers communicate closely with parents as each child develops comfort and belonging.

A Typical Day

What your child's day looks like.

Five AIA Pre-Primary students on a bench with their school tote bags

A steady daily rhythm that helps children feel secure and know what comes next.

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Arrival

Arrival and Transition

Children arrive at their own pace and settle into the calm rhythm of the classroom.

Morning

Morning Work Cycle

An uninterrupted stretch of purposeful work with hands-on Montessori materials.

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Midday

Community Snack and Practical Life

Children practice real-life skills together, from pouring to preparing a simple snack.

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Outdoors

Outdoor Movement and Exploration

Time to move, explore, and discover on our wooded campus.

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Midday

Lunch

A relaxed community meal that builds grace, courtesy, and conversation.

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Afternoon

Rest and Afternoon Care

Depending on your child’s schedule, a quiet rest period or continued afternoon care.

Curious what a Pre-Primary day looks like?