Our Programs

At Forest City Village School, children learn in mixed age classrooms that mirror real community life. Older students grow as role models. Younger students receive natural peer support. Lessons are given by our Montessori guides in individual and small group settings so each child moves at an appropriate pace.

  • Primary “Acorns” serves children 3 to 6 years old (PreK and Kindergarten)

  • Elementary “Saplings” serves children 6 to 9 years old (1st to 3rd grade)

Our campus sits beside James Memorial Public Library and St. James City Park, giving us daily access to nature trails, open green space, and frequent library visits.

collage of four photos featuring children engaged in various activities: a toddler sitting on the carpet next to a pink block tower, two young girls exploring outdoors, children playing with spinning tops on the carpet, and two children reading books in a library surrounded by bookshelves.

Primary — Acorns

Ages 3 to 6 years old. Grades PreK to Kindergarten.

At this stage children have what Maria Montessori called the absorbent mind. They take in language, movement, and social skills through purposeful activity. Our guides prepare a calm, beautiful environment that invites choice and concentration. Children receive daily engaging lessons. We extend the classroom outdoors into St. James City Park and walk regularly to the library for story time and research.

Core areas of work include:

  • Practical Life: care of self, care of the environment, grace and courtesy

  • Sensorial: refining the senses through hands on materials

  • Language: sound games, phonics, pre writing, beginning reading

  • Mathematics: number sense, quantity, and operations with concrete materials

  • Culture and Science: geography, nature study, seasonal observations

“The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.”

— Maria Montessori

Multiple photos of a classroom with children, educational materials, and a reading or activity area

Elementary — Saplings

Ages 6 to 9 years old. Grades 1 to 3.

Our elementary classroom is child centered. Montessori guides observe, present short lessons, and step back. Children choose meaningful work, set goals, and follow their curiosity at a pace that fits them. Long work periods allow for focus, creativity, and real progress.


How learning works:

  • Individual and small group lessons

  • Student choice with gentle guidance from the guide

  • Projects, research, and presentations that grow from interests

  • Daily practice in collaboration, problem solving, and care for the community

Core studies
Reading, writing, grammar, mathematics, geography, history, biology, music, and science. Materials begin concrete and lead children toward abstract understanding and real world application.

Beyond the classroom
Learning happens indoors and outside. We use the St. James City Park as an outdoor classroom and visit the James Memorial Public Library for books, research, and weekly story time. Local guests share their skills so students connect studies to everyday life.