Our programs
3 & 4 year old students may attend half-day morning or half-day afternoon classes. 5 year old students attend a full day program. All programs are five days a week.
Since 80% of a child’s mental development takes place before the child is eight years old, quality education during this period is critical. In the Montessori tradition, each class is a prepared environment alive with a wealth of intriguing materials. The child moves at his/her own pace through all areas of the room – Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics and Cultural. The teacher’s job is to observe and guide the child as his/her natural development unfolds. Children are also introduced to French as a second language. The Early Primary program was developed to meet the specific and changing needs of the children within the room. The holistic approach helps each child to grow with balance, health and joyfulness.
Montessori
Eighty percent of a child’s mental development takes place before the child is eight years old, quality education during this period is critical. In the Montessori tradition, each class is a prepared environment alive with a wealth of intriguing materials. The child moves at his/her own pace through all areas of the room – Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics and Cultural.
French
French is introduced to all the children weekly. The emphasis is on vocabulary building through themes, songs, puppets, books, games, and conversation.
Music
The music classes at St. Christopher’s are based on the Kodaly program. Developed by Hungarian composer, Zoltan Kodaly, this method uses simple music and folk songs to teach the basic elements of music. Learning to sing in tune, and identify the pitch, pulse and rhythm provide the child with the fundamentals of music. Children participate in small groups, enabling each child to have one half hour session per week.
Art
In order to encourage creativity, the art program involves exploration with a wide variety of media, techniques, and colour, and reinforces Montessori principles. Children, in small groups, are scheduled to participate in art activities in the art room on a once weekly basis.
Active Citizenship
Through various community projects, students at St. Christopher’s experience a sense of personal and collective responsibility, as well as the gratification of doing something thoughtful and meaningful for others. Projects for World Vision, UNICEF and local agencies have all taught the students about civic responsibility.
