What is the Montessori Elementary Program?

Ages 3–12 | Grades K3-6th
Monday–Friday | 8:30 AM–2:30 PM

At Knox Academy, our Elementary program is designed to nurture curiosity, build independence, and equip children to become lifelong learners. This is a stage of tremendous growth—imaginative, social, and creative. We provide an environment that balances freedom with structure, giving your child room to explore, collaborate, and grow.

A decorative lamp with a beige shade on a table next to a stack of books and a small wooden box containing colorful beaded bracelets. Part of a painted sign is visible in the background.
Woman sitting on the floor with two children, one child looking at a book, the other using a smartphone.

Learning without limits.

Children are naturally curious—and our Montessori classroom honors that. There’s no rigid schedule or one-size-fits-all curriculum. Instead, students follow their own interests and work at their own pace, with guidance from their teacher. Your child sets the maximum challenge; the teacher ensures essential skills are mastered. This freedom allows for deep focus, joyful learning, and a love of discovery that lasts a lifetime.

  • Two people talking at a doorway, one facing the camera wearing glasses and a headband, smiling.

    Teachers as Guides, Not Lecturers

    Our certified Montessori educators are “enlightened generalists.” They don’t specialize in one subject—they specialize in the child. Whether it’s math, science, music, or art, they help your child explore every subject through research, creativity, and hands-on work. As Bruce Lee said, “A teacher is never a giver of truth; he is a guide…” and we live by that.

  • Young boy and woman playing with a wooden puzzle in a room with natural light.

    Learning That Sticks: Engagement is Essential

    True learning happens when your child is engaged, not when they’re handed busywork. We foster a classroom culture where curiosity is welcomed, questions are encouraged, and students are given the space to dig deeper into subjects they care about. Every project has purpose, and every lesson has meaning.

  • A rock garden with smooth stones is seen in the foreground, adjacent to a building with blue cinderblock walls. A small tree with sparse leaves and some green shrubs are in the background, while sunlight filters through the scene.

    Beyond the Classroom Walls

    We believe children should explore the real world—not just read about it. In our “Going Out” program, students plan and coordinate small group trips to explore topics they're studying. They research destinations, schedule visits, arrange transportation with staff or parent volunteers, and represent themselves and their school with responsibility and confidence.

Designed for Social Growth

Elementary-age children crave social connection—and we embrace that.
Instead of desks in rows and whole-class lectures, we encourage small group lessons, collaborative work, and peer-led discovery. Students build friendships, develop communication skills, and learn how to work as part of a team.

Woman walking outside a wooden structure under construction, surrounded by trees and a smaller shed in the background.

Everything is Connected: Learning in Context

Rather than separating the day into rigid subject blocks, we connect subjects through the Montessori “Great Lessons.” These big-picture stories introduce your child to astronomy, history, biology, physics, language, geography, art, and more—all in an interconnected, meaningful way. Children understand why they’re learning something, which leads to a deeper, lasting understanding.

Decorative desk items: a lamp with an eye and butterfly design, crocodile head sculpture, beads in a box, books titled 'Planetarium,' and a playful wall art with tree, ladder, dog, and "Play Learn Grow" text.

Our goal isn’t just academic achievement—it’s personal growth.
We encourage students to solve their own problems, take responsibility, and learn from mistakes. With the support of trusted guides, they develop adaptability, resilience, and the confidence to navigate real challenges.

Building Grit & Resilience

Wooden children's desk and chair set with abacus and woven baskets on top.

Motivated from Within

At Knox Academy, we don’t rely on stickers, stars, or external rewards. We teach children that learning is its own reward. When a student believes in their own abilities and finds joy in discovery, they do their best—not for praise, but because it matters to them.

Prepared and Confident for What’s Next

By the end of our Elementary Program, students don’t just know facts—they know how to think, research, lead, and advocate for themselves. They’re prepared not only for middle school, but for a lifetime of learning with purpose.

Partnership with the University of Southern Mississippi’s Psychology Department

We’re honored to collaborate with the University of Southern Mississippi’s Psychology Department to strengthen our approach to learning and development. Through this partnership, we’re able to incorporate innovative strategies that support emotional growth, cognitive skills, and hands-on learning experiences for every student.

Partnership with NASA for STEM and Planetarium Experiences

Our partnership with NASA brings STEM education to life in extraordinary ways. Students have the opportunity to engage in interactive space and science lessons, including the use of a portable planetarium that transforms the classroom into a window to the stars. Through this connection, we’re helping inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.