Preschool for Ages 2 to 5, Elementary Through 6th Grade: What Parents Should Know

Choosing a school often feels more complicated than it needs to be, mostly because parents assume they will have to search all over again once their child outgrows preschool. At MBMA, that is not the case. We serve children starting at age 2 all the way through age 5 in our preschool program, and once children are ready, they can continue directly into our elementary program, which enrolls students from Kindergarten through 6th grade. This guide breaks down exactly what each stage looks like, so you know what to expect no matter where your child is starting from.

Preschool for Ages 2 to 5

Our preschool program is designed around two connected stages, each built for a specific point in early development.

Children ages 2 to 3 join our toddler program, La Casita. This stage is meant to gently introduce children to a classroom setting, with plenty of support for toddlers who are still working on basic routines like using the bathroom independently. The focus here is comfort, structure, and simple hands-on activities that build early independence.

Once children turn 3, they move into Children's House, our preschool and pre-k program for ages 3 to 5. This is where more structured, hands-on Montessori learning begins. Children work with materials that build early reading, math, and problem solving skills, at a pace that matches their own development instead of a fixed group schedule. By age 5, most children are working on longer, focused tasks and beginning to show real readiness for a more structured elementary classroom.

Families searching for a preschool san diego program that covers this full toddler through pre-k range often find it easier to plan ahead, since their child can stay in one consistent environment for several years before ever needing to switch schools.

Elementary School, Kindergarten Through 6th Grade

Once a child finishes preschool, the next stage does not require starting a new search. Our elementary program enrolls students from Kindergarten through 6th grade, continuing on the same campus with many of the same teachers and classmates a child already knows.

This program blends the hands-on Montessori approach with more traditional academic elements, including testing, textbooks, and homework, to help prepare students for whatever comes after 6th grade. Students continue to work at their own pace, but with more structure and responsibility as they move up through the grade levels, building toward a strong academic foundation for middle school and beyond.

New students are also welcome to join our elementary program directly, even if they did not attend our preschool. We simply ask for a current progress report and a short skills evaluation with one of our teachers, so we understand exactly where your child is academically before their first day.

Parents exploring an elementary montessori school san diego option for an older child often appreciate that they can visit one campus and see both the preschool and elementary classrooms in the same tour, since many families end up enrolling in both over time.

Why One School for Both Stages Makes a Real Difference

A lot of parents do not think much about school continuity until they are in the middle of a stressful mid year transfer or a rushed search for a new elementary school. Staying on one campus from age 2 through 6th grade means your child avoids that disruption entirely. They keep their friendships, stay familiar with the building and staff, and build a steady sense of routine that carries through some of the most important years of early development.

This kind of consistency tends to matter most during the elementary years, when academic expectations increase and children benefit from feeling settled rather than adjusting to a brand new environment.

Next Steps

If your child is somewhere between age 2 and 6th grade, there is a good chance our program fits, whether they are just starting preschool or ready to move into a more structured elementary classroom.

Schedule a tour with MBMA today to see both programs in person and find the right starting point for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What ages does your preschool program cover?

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 include?

Our elementary program enrolls students from Kindergarten through 6th grade.

3. Does my child need to attend preschool here before joining elementary school?

No. New students are welcome to join our elementary program directly. We ask for a current progress report and a short skills evaluation to understand where your child is academically.

4. Can my child stay at the same school from preschool through elementary?

Yes. Children can move directly from our preschool program into elementary school on the same campus, without switching schools.

5. How do I get started?

The best first step is scheduling a tour so you can see both the preschool and elementary classrooms in person and ask any questions about enrollment.