Every child is born with natural curiosity, a love of learning, and an innate drive toward independence. The Primary program at St. Catherine’s Montessori (for ages 3-6) engages these qualities to foster self-confidence and joy in learning, guiding children along their natural developmental path. Through hands-on experiences with Montessori materials, children develop coordination, concentration, and academic skills in a welcoming environment that values respect, collaboration, and social-emotional fluency.
In St. Catherine’s Primary program, children work in mixed-age classes with AMI-certified Montessori guides, who offer individual and small-group lessons tailored to each child’s interests and developmental needs. The curriculum integrates academic and social-emotional learning with rich, sensorial experiences in key areas such as:
- Practical Life: Children build independence through activities like caring for themselves, their environment, and practicing social graces. These lessons also help develop foundational skills for reading, writing, and math.
- Cultural Studies & Nature: Exploring geography, culture, and outdoor learning spaces broadens children’s understanding of the world.
- Creative Expression: Art and music lessons encourage creative self-expression while also supporting fine motor development.
- Mathematics: Innovative math materials take children from concrete experiences with quantity to “playing” with the four operations and the decimal system—before kindergarten!
- Language: Through rich conversations, vocabulary-building, and phonological games, children develop strong spoken language skills. Literacy follows a natural progression from concrete (learning the sounds of letters) to abstract (reading and writing), with ample opportunities for free exploration, peer collaboration, and self-expression.
- Cursive Handwriting: Cursive is taught as a natural progression from early art exploration, offering a meaningful connection to older generations in a world where cursive is disappearing.
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: This program nurtures spiritual growth through hands-on materials and reflection on Catholic teachings, with respect for all faiths and beliefs.
At St. Catherine’s, children work at their own pace, encouraged to explore, repeat, and master tasks independently. Montessori’s “friendly attitude toward mistakes” ensures a supportive space for taking healthy risks, promoting creativity, and developing problem-solving skills from a young age.
As the only AMI-recognized school in the area serving children from infancy through 12th grade, St. Catherine’s Montessori offers a holistic, continuous educational journey. The campus is also home to Texas’ first K-12 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) school, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
To experience firsthand how St. Catherine’s Montessori cultivates independence, confidence, and a love of learning, attend the October 24 open house or schedule a school tour.
