Sea Pines Montessori Academy

Montessori Division at Hilton Head Preparatory School

Cultivating Curiosity, Confidence, and Compassion from 15 Months to Third Grade

At Hilton Head Prep, our Montessori Division offers a unique, child-centered learning experience for children aged 15 months through third grade. Rooted in the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori, our program fosters an environment where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and develop a love of learning at their own pace, while cultivating important social, emotional, and intellectual skills.

Early Childhood (15 Months - 6 Years): Building Foundations for Lifelong Learning
Our Montessori program for young children focuses on creating a nurturing, responsive environment where each child’s natural curiosity and sense of wonder are embraced. In our Toddler and Primary classrooms, we provide carefully crafted materials that promote hands-on learning in a range of developmental areas, including language, math, practical life, sensorial exploration, and cultural studies.

Pre-Primary (15 months - 3 years): This early stage emphasizes independence and the development of fine motor skills, communication, and social interaction. Our classrooms are designed to be warm, inviting spaces where children engage in simple but meaningful activities, learning basic concepts like coordination, order, and concentration. Toddlers are given the freedom to explore the world around them in a safe and supportive setting, cultivating a love of learning from the very beginning.

Primary (3-6 years): In our Primary classrooms, children begin to explore more complex ideas through Montessori’s carefully sequenced materials. Learning in this stage is hands-on, allowing children to experience abstract concepts like numbers and letters in a concrete, tactile way. The Montessori method encourages children to take ownership of their learning, with teachers guiding them individually based on their interests and developmental needs. Social skills, respect for others, and the development of executive functioning are key focuses of this stage.

Elementary (Grades 1-3): Fostering Independence and Critical Thinking
The Montessori philosophy continues through our Elementary classrooms, where children in grades 1 through 3 expand on the foundational skills they developed in the early years. At this stage, students begin to engage more deeply with academic content, exploring subjects like math, language arts, science, and social studies in a holistic and integrated way. The individualized approach of Montessori allows each child to progress at their own pace, ensuring that they are both challenged and supported.

• Hands-On Learning: Our Elementary students continue to use Montessori materials, alongside traditional resources, to explore abstract concepts and engage in creative problem-solving. Students learn not just through textbooks, but through tangible experiences—such as building models, conducting experiments, and engaging in meaningful discussions. The goal is to develop a deep understanding of the world, while promoting skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and self-regulation.

• A Balanced Environment: In our Elementary classrooms, students work both independently and collaboratively, giving them a strong sense of responsibility for their own learning, while also encouraging them to work together as a community. Teachers foster a positive, growth-oriented atmosphere, guiding students to set goals, solve problems, and express themselves clearly. Children are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, and make connections between what they are learning and the world around them.

At Hilton Head Prep, we believe that the Montessori method’s emphasis on respect, responsibility, and self-discipline fosters a strong sense of community. Our classrooms are designed to encourage collaboration, not competition, helping children develop interpersonal skills and empathy from an early age. In our Montessori Division, children work alongside peers of varying ages, providing an environment where older children mentor younger ones, and
everyone learns from one another. This mixed-age approach cultivates leadership, mentorship, and a deeper understanding of social dynamics.

We invite you to explore how our approach can help your child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in these formative years.

Tobee Labbe
Head of Sea Pines Montessori Academy
Hilton Head Preparatory