The Lower Elementary program serves elementary aged children, providing an academic continuum for the advancing Montessori student. Lower Elementary teachers create learning opportunities that allow students to experience an increased level of academic challenge and responsibility. The classroom is carefully prepared and speaks to the 11 human tendencies for discovery and learning, as identified by Maria Montessori: orientation, order, exploration, communication, activity, manipulation, work, repetition, exactness, abstraction, and perfection. These programs capitalize on the love of learning cultivated during the primary years and offers a dynamic learning environment that promotes independence, collaboration, exploration and experimentation. While concepts continue to be introduced through concrete materials, students begin moving toward abstract learning. Classroom projects are often student-led and inquiry-based, requiring the children to demonstrate understanding in a variety of ways. The combination of the integrated Montessori curriculum and the inspirational, respectful classroom atmosphere creates a joyful learning environment that primes children for life-long learning success.