Calhoun’s Lower School blends Montessori principles with a progressive, inquiry-driven curriculum grounded in social responsibility. The result is a uniquely Calhoun approach that offers a distinctive and innovative experience for our students. As the only Montessori-inspired program in New York City that is fully integrated into a PreK–12 school, Calhoun offers a consistent and intentional educational journey from a child’s first day through graduation.

In our multi-age Montessori classrooms, deep, connected learning comes to life. You might see a preschooler building independence by practicing pouring or buttoning during Montessori “practical life” activities. A kindergartner begins to connect abstract numeracy to concrete math concepts using hands-on manipulatives, while an upper-elementary student models leadership by sharing their learning with younger classmates. This balances each child’s individual journey with cross-age collaboration, mirroring the structure and community they will experience in Middle and Upper School, fostering a love of learning from the very beginning.

From the start, Calhoun’s teaching fosters joyful learning, a core part of what it means to be a Calhoun student in every grade. Teachers show students they don’t have to choose between being happy and doing hard things in the classroom. Children are encouraged to take risks and step beyond their comfort zones when engaging with challenging material, while their passions and curiosities are woven into daily lessons. This special balance creates an environment where Lower School students learn to truly love school and carry that love forward throughout their academic journey.

Calhoun's Lower School At a Glance

• Montessori-inspired, multi-age classrooms
• Progressive, inquiry-driven learning
• Emphasis on joyful learning and social responsibility

What also sets Calhoun apart from a typical Montessori program is our distinctive approach to social studies, which is designed to promote the formation of positive individual identities and cultural appreciation. Our Lower School students engage with a curriculum that encourages them to advocate for what matters to them and builds a foundation for becoming future stewards of our world.

Our Lower School experience combines core Montessori principles with collaboration, social justice, and joyful learning. From the earliest years, our curriculum challenges students to build strong academic skills while nurturing confidence, creativity, and a sense of community." Lisa Gilbert, Lower School Curriculum Coordinator.

Students not only master academic concepts but also build lasting confidence. This confidence grows from having autonomy over their learning early on, seeing their identities reflected in their classrooms, and being recognized as active members of their community.

“Guided by Montessori principles and progressive education’s focus on collaboration, critical thinking, and social responsibility, our Lower School helps students see themselves as capable problem-solvers and thoughtful community members,” says April Thompson, Director of the Lower School. “As they move through the division, they not only develop strong academic foundations but also the confidence, empathy, and resilience to take ownership of their learning and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.”

This uniquely-Calhoun pathway offers children a consistent, intentional education from their first day through graduation. This is the essential work of our Lower School: nurturing the curious, kind, and excellent leaders the future will require.