The Village School for Children is one of the largest independent Montessori schools in New Jersey. Serving 300 students from Bergen, Passaic and Rockland counties, this academically challenging school has classes for children aged 18 months through 14 years. Based on the educational principles and philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, the curriculum reflects the belief that children’s development and learning are guided by their unique talents, interests and internal schedules. All classrooms have mixed age groupings: Toddler (18 months-3 years); Primary (3-6 years); Lower Elementary (6-9 years); Upper Elementary (9-12 years); and Middle School (12-14 years). The Toddler Program provides a first school experience that is safe and supportive introducing the Montessori classroom and materials in a small, intimate setting. Program goals include fostering independence and developing language, social and physical motor skills. The Primary Program encompasses the typical “pre-school” years and culminates with an “Extended Day” Program in the third year, providing a bridge to first grade. The classroom is designed to accommodate the varying developmental needs of each child, providing choices through a variety of multi-sensory materials in the areas of Language, Mathematics, Science & Geography, Sensorial, Practical Life and Art & Music. The Lower Elementary Program comprises first through third grades, with multi-age classes of up to 20 students with two teachers. The course of study provides a strong foundation in Language Arts, Mathematics, Geometry, and Cultural Studies (Natural and Physical Sciences, Geography and History), as well as “specials” in Music, Art, Physical Education, Technology, Health, and Spanish. The Upper Elementary Program, fourth through sixth grades, supports the shift to abstract thinking. Research projects, interdisciplinary studies, public speaking, and community service help develop critical thinking and practical living skills. Curriculum areas and specials begun in the Lower Elementary years continue at this level. The Middle School Program builds upon the foundations established on the elementary level by facilitating further exploration and questioning in academic areas including American History; Geography; Pre-Algebra, Algebra and Geometry; Language Arts and Writing; and Life & Physical Sciences. Additional emphasis is placed on study skills, including effective note taking and organization, as well as oral presentations, in-depth reading, and writing in a variety of formats.