Programs Overview

Dancing Moose incorporates the foundational principles, methods, and materials of Montessori while recognizing that education is dynamic and progressive.  Many important learning principles are inspired by contemporary theorists, and Dancing Moose continually revisits curricular goals and related materials to include current research.  To complement the wide range of Montessori materials, Dancing Moose utilizes a variety of contemporary learning resources and activities.   Common core standards, including an on ongoing emphasis in language arts and mathematics, are emphasized in everyday curricular goals.  Subjects that may have been separated in traditional settings are integrated in the Dancing Moose curriculum.  Technology is also an important tool to differentiate curriculum as well as serve the needs for teachers’ record keeping and communicating children’s achievement.

Dancing Moose programs extend from 18 months to second grade with developmentally-appropriate activities for each child.  Full-time programs are available for toddlers and two-year-olds, and a variety of part-time and full-time programs are available for children three and older.

Toddlers & Twos   |   Preschool   |   Elementary

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Elementary Program

By the time children reach kindergarten, first, and second grades, they are ready for center rotations, which include work in the core areas of language arts and mathematics as well as other rotating subjects.  Teachers utilize this time to work with small guided reading groups and provide individualized instruction in math concepts.  Guided reading, including online A to Z readers, support each student’s reading development, and the Math Expressions program is a sound, research-based program that supports individualized ability levels.  Computer rotation in extended language arts and math concepts is one of the daily centers, and children participate in science, art, Spanish, and library rotations each afternoon.  Integrated science and social studies based on core-inspired thematic units are also incorporated into monthly instruction.  The center rotations help ensure that children are exposed to core curricular goals on a regular basis, and they provide opportunities for small group collaboration.  Instruction in the elementary program helps students acquire skills that facilitate transition into a school setting after second grade.  Children participate in dance, yoga, and Tae Kwon Do, which are part of the Dancing Moose emphasis on the whole child.