Primary

Grades 1 to 3 Enriched Curriculum

Lessons are enhanced with multimedia resources, Montessori materials, relevant field trips, and a rich variety of hands-on and extension activities designed to reinforce learning and engagement.

Language Arts

In the early primary years, students build a strong foundation in reading, writing, and oral language. Using Montessori language materials, they learn to read and write phonetic words, then move on to phonograms and digraphs (such as “sh,” “ch,” “th,” and “ee”) so they can tackle more complex words with confidence.

Students progress from word work to writing sentences and short paragraphs. Language Arts is woven into science, social studies, and geography. Reading happens every day through group novel studies and independent reading chosen to challenge students and build a love of literature. Every student also takes part in a home reading program to strengthen fluency and comprehension.

Research skills grow each year. In Grade 2, students collaborate on group projects using iPads. In Grade 3, they complete individual research projects using digital and print sources and present their findings in written reports.

Mathematics

Montessori Math gives students a strong conceptual foundation for long-term success. Hands-on materials help them understand and internalize advanced concepts from an early age.

Once students understand place value in four-digit numbers (for example, 3,185 = 3,000 + 100 + 80 + 5), they explore addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using the golden bead materials and the stamp game. These tools make abstract ideas concrete, with each concept building on the last.

Students progress at their own pace, mastering each concept before moving forward, and those with a strong aptitude are continually challenged. Starting in Grade 2, daily homework focuses on memorizing math facts, and by the end of Grade 3, students aim to know their multiplication tables from 0 to 12. Thematic units such as graphing, geometry, and financial literacy deepen mathematical thinking and real-world application.

Cultural Studies

Cultural Studies brings together Geography, Science, Botany, and Zoology, giving students room to follow their curiosity and connect ideas across subjects.

In the primary grades, students spend much of each afternoon on Cultural Studies through hands-on activities, research, and creative work. Recent highlights include:

  • Hatching ducklings in the classroom and caring for them until they were rehomed on a local farm

  • Group research on figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Anne Frank

  • Experiments exploring physical and chemical changes in matter

At the end of each unit, students bring home a booklet or portfolio of their work, along with related artwork and reflections.

Physical Education

Developing a lifelong healthy lifestyle begins with regular physical activity and a nutritious, balanced diet. Our Physical Education program introduces students to the fundamentals of a variety of sports, allowing them to explore different skills and discover their individual strengths and interests.

Gym classes are held twice a week in a spacious, well-equipped gymnasium located seven blocks from Cornerstone. Each class is transported to and from the facility by a professional bus service, accompanied by their classroom teacher. This dedicated space provides students with the opportunity to engage in a wide range of physical activities in a safe and structured environment.

Fine Arts

The Fine Arts program at Cornerstone includes visual and creative arts, music, dance, and drama, giving students a variety of opportunities to express themselves and explore their creativity. Through hands-on art projects, students work with different materials and techniques to develop their artistic skills and appreciation for visual expression.

In music, students learn rhythm, melody, and basic notation, while also building confidence through singing and group performances. Dance and drama activities encourage movement, storytelling, collaboration, and imaginative play—helping students grow in both creativity and self-expression.

Fine Arts are often integrated into Cultural Studies and other subject areas, allowing students to deepen their understanding of academic content through artistic exploration.

Homework

All students in the Primary Program are assigned regular homework to help reinforce concepts learned in class and build strong study habits.

Students in Grades 1-3 typically complete 10 to 20 minutes of homework each day, which often includes reading and practicing math facts. This daily routine helps develop fluency, comprehension, and foundational numeracy skills.

In Grade 3, students may begin taking home more complex assignments, including writing tasks, independent research projects, and subject-specific review work, as they prepare for increased academic responsibility in the intermediate years.

Parent Communication

Every child is greeted daily with a friendly welcome. Parents and teachers enjoy open communication. Teachers and staff will always make time to discuss issues that are of concern to parents and/or students. Parents attend the following meetings/conferences throughout the school year:

  • September Parent Meeting

  • First Term Parent/Teacher Conference

  • Second Term Student-led Conference

All primary students receive formal report cards throughout their school year, as follows:

  • Kindergarten: January and June

  • Primary: December, March and June

Report cards are detailed and informative, reflecting each student’s progress. 

Field Trips

Field trips are an integral part of learning at Cornerstone, offering students meaningful, real-world connections to their classroom studies. Teachers regularly plan engaging and educational outings that enhance the Cultural Studies curriculum, bringing topics such as science, history, and geography to life.

In addition to academic excursions, students also enjoy recreational field trips throughout the year, including activities such as ice skating, visiting local farms, and seasonal outings to the pumpkin patch, which promote hands-on learning, exploration, and community building.

All transportation is arranged through a professional bus company, ensuring a safe and reliable experience for students and staff.