Cornerstone Montessori School - Surrey ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Cornerstone Montessori: Progressive, Montessori
Cornerstone Montessori has a Progressive, Montessori approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
Cornerstone Montessori has a Montessori approach to supplementary curriculum.
Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.
What Cornerstone Montessori says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Cornerstone is a Montessori school; however, our main curriculum is best described as progressive because students build academic knowledge through a combination of direct instruction and hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Montessori is most prominent from Kindergarten through Grade 2, with intentional overlap in Grade 3 as students transition toward a more structured academic program. Our primary aim is to develop well-rounded students, and we believe that requires more than rigorous academics. We place great emphasis on areas such as entrepreneurship and the arts, while also teaching students about mental and physical health, technology and good citizenship. These experiences broaden students’ understanding of the world and expose them to subjects they may not otherwise encounter, helping them become knowledgeable and capable young people.
Montessori program(s) offered
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Montessori toddler | |
| Casa | |
| Elementary | |
| Middle School | |
| High School |
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Cornerstone Montessori: Equal Balance
Cornerstone Montessori has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Cornerstone Montessori says:
Our mathematics program balances strong foundational skills with conceptual understanding. In Kindergarten through Grade 2, students begin with the decimal system, exploring units, tens, hundreds and thousands using concrete Montessori materials. They progress through addition with four-digit numbers, multiplication, subtraction and division, followed by dynamic addition and subtraction, while simultaneously developing math-fact fluency. Because learning is individualized, students begin each new school year exactly where they left off, rather than restarting according to grade level. By Grade 2 or 3, students typically progress to dynamic multiplication and long division. As students move into the intermediate grades, instruction becomes increasingly abstract and structured. Students use textbooks and workbooks that extend beyond BC curricular expectations, with emphasis on established algorithms, procedural fluency, problem-solving and application. Throughout all grades, our aim is for students to understand both how mathematical processes work and why they work.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
Kindergarten to Grade 3 use hands-on Montessori math materials. Textbooks are used in Grades 4–7 only: Pearson, Math Makes Sense, Math Focus, Mathology and Dynamic Classroom. Intermediate students also use Google Sheets and online math practice platforms.
Calculator policy:
Calculators are not used before Grade 6, so students build strong fluency with math facts and written methods first. In Grades 6 and 7, students begin learning to use scientific calculators.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Cornerstone Montessori: Phonics-intensive
Cornerstone Montessori has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What Cornerstone Montessori says:
Our early reading program uses a systematic, phonics-based Montessori approach. Students first develop phonemic awareness and strong letter-sound associations through multisensory materials such as Sandpaper Letters, allowing them to see, hear, say and physically trace each sound. They then learn to blend sounds, construct words using the Moveable Alphabet, and decode phonetic words before progressing to increasingly complex phonograms and spelling patterns. Rather than relying on memorization or contextual guessing, students develop the skills to independently decode unfamiliar words. Reading and spelling develop alongside one another as students continually analyze and manipulate the sounds within words. Instruction is highly individualized: students receive lessons according to their readiness and progress once skills are mastered, rather than according to a whole-class timeline. As proficiency develops, students transition from concrete Montessori materials toward increasingly abstract, fluent reading and comprehension.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Cornerstone Montessori says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Cornerstone Montessori: Process approach
Cornerstone Montessori has a Process approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Equal balance approach).
[Show: About Process approach?]What Cornerstone Montessori says:
Writing begins in Kindergarten with Montessori language materials, which let children build phonetic words before they can form every letter by hand. In the primary grades, students progress from phonetic words to phonograms and digraphs, and from labelling and word work to simple sentences and short paragraphs. Writing is integrated across subjects: during Cultural Studies units, students express their learning through written work. In Grade 2, students write up group research projects in their own words, and in Grade 3 they write individual research reports. In Grades 4–7, students write personal narratives, descriptive and persuasive essays, opinion pieces and creative stories. Beginning in Grade 4, they write structured essays for Science and Social Studies, researching credible sources and citing them properly. Grammar workshops and vocabulary instruction are built into real writing tasks, and neat, careful work is expected at every level.
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Science
Science approach at Cornerstone Montessori: Inquiry
Cornerstone Montessori has an Inquiry approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Inquiry?]Teaching approach:
Science is taught through a blend of direct instruction and hands-on inquiry. In Kindergarten to Grade 3, science is part of the Montessori Cultural Studies program, along with geography, botany and zoology. Students explore it in the afternoons through experiments, research projects and real experiences, such as hatching ducklings in the classroom or investigating physical and chemical changes in matter. In Grades 4–7, units include forces and motion, the human body, electricity and circuits, chemical changes and compounds, evolution and natural selection, rock cycles, and the environmental impact of waste. Students conduct experiments, build models and take on STEM challenges, learning to ask testable questions, collect and interpret data, and communicate their findings. Our Science Fair, part of a three-year rotation of spring events, gives students the chance to present their own projects to visitors.
Treatment of evolution:
Subject Offered Evolution as consensus theory Evolution as one of many equally viable theories Evolution is not taught Topics covered in curriculum:
Subject Offered Biology Chemistry Ecology Geology Meteorology Physics Physiology Zoology Literature
Literature approach at Cornerstone Montessori: Equal Balance
Cornerstone Montessori has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Cornerstone Montessori says:
Reading is emphasized daily from the earliest grades, and every class has a home reading program to build fluency, comprehension and a lasting love of literature. In the primary grades, students take part in group novel studies and independent reading assignments chosen to challenge them at their level. In Grades 4–7, literature circles and novel studies form the core of the program. Students learn to think analytically about plot, character and theme, discuss texts as a class and respond in writing. Current events are woven into weekly Language Arts lessons, where students learn to summarize key points, identify bias and form their own opinions respectfully. Debate practice builds on this, teaching students to research both sides of an issue and present a persuasive argument.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Social Studies
Social Studies approach at Cornerstone Montessori: Core Knowledge
Cornerstone Montessori has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Cornerstone Montessori says:
In Kindergarten to Grade 3, social studies is part of Montessori Cultural Studies, which brings together geography, history and culture. Students learn about people and cultures around the world with an attitude of respect and explore cultural celebrations from many countries. Primary students also complete collaborative research projects on influential historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Anne Frank. In the intermediate grades, topics may include ancient civilizations (Mesopotamia, China, Japan, Greece and Rome), Medieval Europe, early explorers, the fur trade and gold rush, inventions that changed the world, and myths and legends from around the world. Students use digital research, primary and secondary sources and project-based work, presenting their findings through essays, visual displays, presentations and dramatic re-enactments. Field trips and events such as our Culture Fair bring these topics to life.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Cornerstone Montessori: Equal Balance
Cornerstone Montessori has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Cornerstone Montessori says:
In Grade 7, students explore history, government and global issues through interdisciplinary units that connect Social Studies with Language Arts, Art and Technology. Topics may include the rise and fall of empires, World War II, Canadian and global government systems, NGOs, poverty and social status, and South Africa’s apartheid and cultural history. Students research using reliable primary and secondary sources, write research essays with proper citations, and present their work individually and in groups. Weekly current events lessons and debate practice teach them to identify bias, weigh both sides of an issue, and form and defend their own opinions respectfully. The emphasis is on critical thinking, clear writing and confident public speaking to prepare students for high school.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Cornerstone Montessori: Equal Balance
Cornerstone Montessori has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Cornerstone Montessori says:
French instruction begins in Grade 2. Grade 2 and 3 students take French as part of a yearly rotation with Technology and Music, learning to count and to name colours, animals and foods, along with common phrases and songs. In Grades 4–7, French is taught as an academic subject. Students learn to conjugate verbs and use common phrases, and they write French skits in groups and perform them. Students in Grades 2–7 also practise with Duolingo to reinforce vocabulary and build confidence.
Language instruction offered in:
Subject Offered Chinese-Cantonese Chinese-Mandarin French German Greek Italian Japanese Hebrew Latin Russian Spanish ESL Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Cornerstone Montessori: Equal Balance
Cornerstone Montessori has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Cornerstone Montessori says:
Fine Arts at Cornerstone include visual arts, music, drama and dance. All students take part in weekly visual arts classes, with projects inspired by seasonal themes, science and social studies units, literature and studies of great artists. In the primary years, the arts are woven into the broader curriculum: art is linked to the Cultural Studies unit, music is part of the weekly rhythm (rhythm, pitch and songs that support learning, such as skip-counting tunes), and dance may be taught as part of Physical Education. In Grades 2 and 3, Music is part of a yearly rotation with French and Technology. In the intermediate grades, Fine Arts is a stand-alone subject with a focus that changes each term. Students with a passion for art take on larger roles in school-wide projects, such as illustrating published books, designing sets for the school musical or creating products for our Christmas Market.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Cornerstone Montessori: Medium integration
Cornerstone Montessori has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Cornerstone Montessori says:
Technology is introduced thoughtfully and at developmentally appropriate stages. In Kindergarten and Grade 1, students periodically use iPads with Maria, a Cornerstone-designed reading app that mirrors the Montessori pink, blue and green language materials. In Grade 2, students use iPads with keyboards to develop typing skills, practise math facts and complete group research projects while learning responsible internet use. Grade 3 students move to MacBooks for reading, grammar and math practice, independent research and basic design in Canva. In Grades 4–7, each student is assigned a personal MacBook Air, used daily across all core subjects. Students work in Google Classroom, Slides and Sheets, Canva, Tinkercad, Scratch and Khan Academy, learning to research and cite credible sources, code and design. Using our 3D printer, they take their own ideas from sketch to digital model to printed prototype, then test and refine them.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Cornerstone Montessori says:
All students take Physical Education twice a week at the Nova Church gymnasium, a short drive from the school, travelling by professional school bus with their teachers. When the weather permits, classes are sometimes held outdoors at nearby Janice Churchill Park. Primary students attend PE with their classroom teacher, while intermediate students are taught by our dedicated Physical Education instructor. The program introduces students to the fundamentals of a wide variety of sports so they can build skills and discover their own strengths and interests, and dance is sometimes included as a unit. Recreational field trips such as ice skating, swimming and roller skating keep students active throughout the year, and each June students in Grades 3–7 attend a two-night camp at Camp Stillwood, with activities such as rock climbing, high ropes, canoeing and hiking.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Cornerstone Montessori: Not British Columbia curriculum
Cornerstone Montessori has a Not British Columbia curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not British Columbia curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Cornerstone Montessori has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Cornerstone Montessori says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Cornerstone Montessori: Montessori
Cornerstone Montessori has a Montessori approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
What Cornerstone Montessori says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Our Kindergarten program is rooted in Montessori philosophy, with a carefully prepared classroom that encourages students to take ownership of their learning. The environment is organized so children can confidently select and complete work, while teachers provide individual lessons throughout the day. Many Montessori materials are self-correcting, giving students immediate feedback as they work. Each child follows an individualized goal sheet that guides their learning and is referred to daily. Goals span Practical Life, Language Arts, Math, Culture and Sensorial, allowing teachers to introduce new concepts according to each child’s readiness. This structure gives students freedom within clear expectations, helping them develop independence while building a solid academic foundation.
Montessori Approach
Cornerstone Montessori School - Surrey's Montessori approach. Learn about this school's class practices and policies as well as its curricular and teaching approach.
This information is not currently available.
Overall approach
Moderately Non-Orthodox
20% of schools
Schools that are faithful to the original Montessori program and principles, but sometimes supplement it with modern curricular approaches or materials.
Classroom practices
- This information is not currently available.
Teaching assistants
Language
Learn about Cornerstone Montessori School - Surrey's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Cornerstone Montessori offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Cornerstone Montessori: Student-paced
Cornerstone Montessori has a Student-paced approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Accelerated approach).
What Cornerstone Montessori says about their curriculum pace:
Students progress according to individual readiness and demonstrated understanding. Teachers differentiate instruction, expectations and assignments, providing additional time and support when needed while allowing students who are ready to advance beyond grade-level expectations. This is especially prominent in our Montessori-based younger grades, where individualized goals guide each student’s daily learning.
Flexible pacing style
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
| Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
| Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
| Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
| Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
| Differentiated assessment |
What Cornerstone Montessori says about their flexible pacing:
Lessons are taught individually or in small groups of two to five students. K–2 students follow personalized daily goal sheets. Students who master a concept move on to above-grade-level work, while those needing more time receive one-on-one lessons with hands-on materials. Intermediate students also practise on online math platforms.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Cornerstone Montessori: Supportive
Cornerstone Montessori has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
What Cornerstone Montessori says about their academic culture:
Cornerstone’s academic culture is supportive, but never without high standards. We believe children learn best when they feel known and respected and genuinely enjoy coming to school. Lessons are delivered individually or in small groups, so each student is challenged at their own level: students who grasp concepts quickly move on to above-grade-level work, while those who need more time are supported until they feel confident, without unnecessary frustration. Students are expected to engage with their work thoughtfully, produce neat and careful work, and take pride in their efforts. Rather than competition, we foster perseverance, curiosity and integrity, helping every child build strong academic foundations, self-confidence and a lifelong love of learning.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority:
What Cornerstone Montessori says about their developmental priorities:
Our mission is to help each child reach their fullest potential, academically, emotionally and socially. We aim to shape well-rounded young people who are strong, independent learners and also kind, respectful and responsible members of their community. Grace and courtesy are part of daily life: each day begins with a handshake, and students learn to listen attentively, wait their turn, care for their environment and speak politely to peers and adults. We instil values such as self-respect, honesty, integrity, responsibility, compassion and a desire to give back to those in need. We want our graduates to be confident, hardworking and well-mannered, with the work habits, character and self-awareness to thrive in high school and beyond.
Special needs support
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Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.DyscalculiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor DeficitA characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
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DevelopmentalAutismRefers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).Asperger's SyndromeOn the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.Down syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).Williams syndromeThis is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
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Behavioral and EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.Clinical DepressionThis is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.Clinical anxietyThis is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.Suicidal thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
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PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.Cerebral palsyhis refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.Muscular dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.BlindnessVisual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."DeafnessHearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).Cystic FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
What Cornerstone Montessori says:
Small classes allow our teachers to know each child well and notice difficulties early. When a student struggles with a concept, the teacher tailors the work to their needs and will often repeat the lesson one-on-one with hands-on materials until it is understood. We also have a staff member with many years of Montessori teaching experience who works with students who need extra help. Please note that Cornerstone does not offer specialized special education programming or licensed special education staff. Admission is based in part on whether we can appropriately support each child’s learning needs, so we encourage families of children with a diagnosed learning disability to speak with us before applying.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
Class structure
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
In-class adaptations
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
| Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
| Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
| Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
| Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
What Cornerstone Montessori says about their gifted learner support:
Because lessons are delivered individually or in small groups, students who grasp concepts quickly are not held to a grade-level pace. They continue to receive lessons beyond their grade; for example, a Grade 2 student who has mastered Grade 2 math moves on to more advanced math. In the intermediate grades, teachers collaborate to challenge students working above grade level with enrichment and open-ended tasks.