Lower School Curriculum
Calhoun’s Montessori curriculum blends hands-on exploration with inquiry-driven learning that connects each child’s interests to the broader world. Faculty guide students in developing foundational skills in math and literacy while encouraging them to test ideas, ask questions, and reflect on their learning.
As the only Montessori elementary program in New York City fully integrated into a preK–12 school, Calhoun provides a continuous, intentional path starting in early childhood. Our interdisciplinary curriculum spans STEAM, Spanish, music, art, and physical education, with social justice embedded throughout so that students learn to advocate for themselves and others. Multi-age classrooms and cross-age collaboration give children opportunities to mentor, lead, and share their learning, fostering confidence, empathy, and a sense of belonging.
Lower School Curriculum Highlights
Filter By Category
![English/Language Arts]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1723562823/calhoun/hpzbngacraqpkdsvu9r6/20240130_Calhoun_LowerSchool_262.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1723562823/calhoun/hpzbngacraqpkdsvu9r6/20240130_Calhoun_LowerSchool_262.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1723562823/calhoun/hpzbngacraqpkdsvu9r6/20240130_Calhoun_LowerSchool_262.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1723562823/calhoun/hpzbngacraqpkdsvu9r6/20240130_Calhoun_LowerSchool_262.jpg","width":911}])
English/Language Arts
In our English/Language Arts curriculum, students start with foundational language skills. As they progress, they build on reading fluency, writing conventions, and comprehension.
![Math]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1723563207/calhoun/nw8n28zndhdyregcm7yf/LSMath3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1723563207/calhoun/nw8n28zndhdyregcm7yf/LSMath3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1723563207/calhoun/nw8n28zndhdyregcm7yf/LSMath3.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1723563207/calhoun/nw8n28zndhdyregcm7yf/LSMath3.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1723563207/calhoun/nw8n28zndhdyregcm7yf/LSMath3.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1723563207/calhoun/nw8n28zndhdyregcm7yf/LSMath3.jpg","width":2200}])
Math
Our math curriculum aims to build resilience, stamina in facing challenges, and the ability to apply diverse problem-solving strategies while clearly articulating mathematical ideas.
![Social Studies]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1723562327/calhoun/fy4laxw1eeakfv7lxt44/20240130_Calhoun_LowerSchool_115.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1723562327/calhoun/fy4laxw1eeakfv7lxt44/20240130_Calhoun_LowerSchool_115.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1723562327/calhoun/fy4laxw1eeakfv7lxt44/20240130_Calhoun_LowerSchool_115.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1723562327/calhoun/fy4laxw1eeakfv7lxt44/20240130_Calhoun_LowerSchool_115.jpg","width":911}])
Social Studies
In Lower School social studies, students embark on a journey through identity, geography and history, with an emphasis on social-emotional learning and critical thinking.
![STEAM]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1723736416/calhoun/pd4npyfllwejyqsl7vfr/20240130_Calhoun_LowerSchool_176.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1723736416/calhoun/pd4npyfllwejyqsl7vfr/20240130_Calhoun_LowerSchool_176.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1723736416/calhoun/pd4npyfllwejyqsl7vfr/20240130_Calhoun_LowerSchool_176.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1723736416/calhoun/pd4npyfllwejyqsl7vfr/20240130_Calhoun_LowerSchool_176.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1723736416/calhoun/pd4npyfllwejyqsl7vfr/20240130_Calhoun_LowerSchool_176.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1723736416/calhoun/pd4npyfllwejyqsl7vfr/20240130_Calhoun_LowerSchool_176.jpg","width":2048}])
STEAM
Our STEAM lab allows Lower School students to explore their curiosity while building important skills related to science, technology, engineering, art and math.
![Spanish/Movement]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1723734841/calhoun/fzzcwmyjrovmbgxw91w4/20220517_Calhoun_245.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1723734841/calhoun/fzzcwmyjrovmbgxw91w4/20220517_Calhoun_245.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1723734841/calhoun/fzzcwmyjrovmbgxw91w4/20220517_Calhoun_245.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1723734841/calhoun/fzzcwmyjrovmbgxw91w4/20220517_Calhoun_245.jpg","width":911}])
Spanish/Movement
Students meet regularly with a Spanish/movement teacher who helps them acquire language skills through a kinesthetic approach.
![World Music]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1723734721/calhoun/oo2sse1cvb3n1qnjmcox/WorldMusic3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1723734721/calhoun/oo2sse1cvb3n1qnjmcox/WorldMusic3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1723734721/calhoun/oo2sse1cvb3n1qnjmcox/WorldMusic3.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1723734721/calhoun/oo2sse1cvb3n1qnjmcox/WorldMusic3.jpg","width":813}])
World Music
Children receive an introduction to music through studies with a World Music specialist.
![Physical Education]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1723559571/calhoun/ssp5whhgu7joajrjoaza/LSPhysEd.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1723559571/calhoun/ssp5whhgu7joajrjoaza/LSPhysEd.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1723559571/calhoun/ssp5whhgu7joajrjoaza/LSPhysEd.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1723559571/calhoun/ssp5whhgu7joajrjoaza/LSPhysEd.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1723559571/calhoun/ssp5whhgu7joajrjoaza/LSPhysEd.jpg","width":1365}])
Physical Education
In Calhoun's physical education program, children experience versatile movement and fitness activities that help them build a broad base of motor skills.
Lower School News
No post to display.