Preschool and Elementary Under One Roof: What Parents Should Know
Most parents think about school in stages. First it is finding a preschool, then a few years later it is finding an elementary school, and often that means starting the whole search over again from scratch. At MBMA, we built our programs so families never have to go through that twice.
We serve children starting at age 2 all the way through age 5 in our preschool program, and once children are ready, they can move directly into our elementary program, which enrolls students from Kindergarten through 6th grade, all on the same campus. This post breaks down both programs, so you know exactly what your child's path could look like, whether they are just starting out or ready for the next step.
Our Preschool Program: Ages 2 to 5
A lot of the families who reach out to us are looking for a preschool for their two, three, or four year old, and that is exactly where our program starts. Preschool at MBMA is built around the Montessori method, which means children learn through hands-on activities at their own pace, guided by trained teachers, instead of sitting through group lessons designed for the whole class at once.
Here is a quick breakdown of what this looks like by age:
Age 2 to 3: Our La Casita program welcomes toddlers who are still working on skills like potty training, giving them a gentle first introduction to a classroom setting.
Age 3 to 5: Children move into Children's House, our full preschool and pre-k program, where they build early reading, math, and social skills through hands-on Montessori materials.
By age 5, most children are working on early literacy, basic math concepts, and longer periods of independent, focused work, which prepares them well for the structure of elementary school.
Our Elementary Program: Kindergarten Through 6th Grade
Once a child is ready to move beyond preschool, our elementary program continues that same foundation, from Kindergarten all the way through 6th grade. This is one of the parts of our school that more families should know about, because staying on the same campus through elementary school means your child keeps their friendships, stays familiar with the teachers, and does not have to adjust to a completely new environment right as the schoolwork gets more demanding.
Our elementary classrooms blend the hands-on Montessori approach with some more traditional elements, like testing, textbooks, and homework, to help prepare students for whatever comes next, whether that is public middle school or another private school down the road. Students continue to work at their own pace, but with more structure and responsibility as they move up through the grade levels.
New students joining our elementary program from another school are welcome too. We simply ask for a current progress report and a short skills evaluation with one of our teachers, so we can understand exactly where your child is and support them from day one.
Why Families Are Searching for This Kind of Program
Whether you are looking for a montessori preschool san diego program for your toddler, or you are exploring elementary options for an older child, having both stages under one roof solves a real problem for a lot of families. You are not stuck researching a brand new school every few years, and your child is not stuck adjusting to a new campus, new teachers, and new friends right when they need consistency the most.
Families from across the area, including many searching for a montessori school La Jolla parents could rely on long term, often start with us for the toddler or preschool years and then choose to stay for elementary school once they see how smoothly the two programs connect.
We also hear from families searching for a montessori preschool Pacific Beach option close to home, many of whom are surprised to learn our campus offers a full path from toddler care through 6th grade, not just a preschool program.
See Both Programs for Yourself
The best way to understand what your child's day would look like, whether they are 2 years old or already in 5th grade, is to walk through the classrooms in person. Tours are a simple, no pressure way to see how children this age actually spend their day, ask questions, and picture your own child in the space.
You can reach our team at (858) 457-5895, or visit us at 2640 Soderblom Avenue, San Diego, CA 92122. We are happy to answer any questions about tuition, hours, or enrollment for either our preschool or elementary program before you even schedule a visit.
Schedule a tour with MBMA today, whether you are exploring preschool for your toddler or an elementary spot for your older child. We would love to show you both.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What ages does your preschool program serve?
Our preschool program serves children from age 2 through age 5, starting with our toddler program, La Casita, and continuing into Children's House for preschool and pre-k.
2. What grades does your elementary program cover?
Our elementary program enrolls students from Kindergarten through 6th grade.
3. Can my child continue into elementary school after finishing preschool?
Yes. Children can move directly from our preschool program into elementary school on the same campus, without switching schools.
4. Do you accept new students directly into the elementary program?
Yes. New students are welcome to join elementary directly. We ask for a current progress report and a short skills evaluation to understand where your child is academically.
5. How do I schedule a tour to see either program?
You can call us at (858) 457-5895 or visit our website to book a tour. We are happy to show you both the preschool and elementary classrooms during your visit.
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