Our Programs
The Gettysburg Montessori Charter curriculum is well-rounded, encompassing all of the subject areas required by state standards, as well as additional areas of enrichment.
Kindergarten – 6th GradePeace Begins With the Child
Dr. Montessori believed that if we are to ever be at peace, then we must start with the child. We encourage the children to follow three rules: take care of yourself, take care of others, and take care of the environment.
Through these rules, children develop an understanding of the world around them. To nurture this new knowledge, we reach out to the community. Several times throughout the year, the children are involved in activities to show others they care.
A Blend of Montessori and Research-Based Learning
Each grade band pairs hands-on Montessori work with proven programs aligned to the Pennsylvania Core Standards.
Kindergarten
Our Kindergarten experience is carefully crafted to maximize hands-on learning and research-based practices. Our team has aligned each Montessori work to applicable Pennsylvania Core Standards. We work closely as a grade level to collect data on all students’ progress in order to best support their learning. We also work with the reading and math specialists in the building to best address the needs of each child. All assessments and data that are collected are used to inform our instruction and planning.
For language arts, our programs include McGraw Hill Reading Wonders, Heggerty Phonemic Awareness, Enhanced Core Reading Instruction (ECRI), Kid Writing, and Zaner-Bloser Handwriting. For math, our main program is Eureka Math and for independent practice, our students use Zearn. Our Kindergarten curriculum, therefore, implements a range of both the traditional Montessori approach and modern, research-based programs and resources to ensure that our students have access to a well-rounded, hands-on, and personalized learning experience.
Social studies and science act as an important part of our ELA curriculum supported by many supplementary materials. These include physical books on various topics within the classroom, online learning resources, learning about the significance of holidays, and observing the life cycle of the butterflies.
1st and 2nd Grades
In the 1st and 2nd grade classes, there are currently three teachers who teach the core subjects (math, ELA, science, social studies, and writing). The 1st and 2nd grade teachers strive to incorporate a healthy blend of Montessori, learning styles and PA Core Standards. The 1st and 2nd grade schedule allows for both independent and whole group lesson times. The schedule also incorporates Montessori free choice work time.
Each of the core subjects utilizes Montessori materials, as well as research-based programs to meet the PA Core Standards. All subject areas use Montessori materials to reinforce skills that are taught through core instruction time. In mathematics, the Eureka Math program is the primary tool that is utilized in all grades (K-6) throughout the building. For ELA, the McGraw-Hill Reading Wonders Program is implemented. This program also incorporates foundational writing skills. This program is used in grades K-4.
The 1st and 2nd Grade is unique in its use of a blended classroom, which allows for students to be exposed to differentiated math and ELA lessons. Students are able to work in multi-age groups for science and social studies lessons and project-based activities during Montessori free choice work time.
3rd and 4th Grades
In the 3rd and 4th grade classes, there are currently three teachers, each who specialize in their core subject (math, ELA and science, social studies, and writing). In this grade band, the teachers strive to incorporate a healthy blend of Montessori, learning styles and PA Core Standards. The 3rd and 4th grade schedule allows for lessons, assignments and free choice work time.
Each of the core subjects utilizes Montessori materials, as well as research-based programs to meet the PA Core Standards. All subject areas use Montessori materials to reinforce skills that are taught through core instruction time. In mathematics, the Eureka Math Program is the primary tool that is utilized, which is used in all grades (K-6) throughout the building. For ELA, the McGraw Hill Reading Wonders Program is implemented, and it incorporates science and social studies topics. This program is used in grades K-4.
The 3rd and 4th grade is unique in its use of a third class, which allows for students to explore science and social studies topics through writing and research-based projects. For science, we use the PhD Science Program.
5th and 6th Grades
In the 5th and 6th grade classes, we focus on preparing our students for the future as they will soon be transitioning to their next school experience. Students switch classes for core instruction. In math, ELA, and science/social studies, we do a variety of hands-on activities while meeting PA common core standards. Throughout the year, we incorporate research through a number of projects.
In math class, students learn concepts progressing from concrete to abstract ideas through works, centers, and group explorations. Lessons are tailored to students’ needs based on the Eureka program. Novel studies are used to cover the required state standards and grade level reading skills in ELA. Science and social studies instruction is taught through hands-on experiences completed by individuals and small groups.
Beyond the Core Subjects
Every student also learns through music, art, wellness, technology, library, and guidance programs.
Music
The curriculum tools used in music at Gettysburg Montessori Charter School are based on the following units: rhythm, melody, harmony, form, tone color, dynamics, tempo and historical/cultural studies. Each grade progresses through the concepts in a comprehensive manner from K-6. Each concept has a performance assessment and increases the knowledge of the students. Music education enhances the students’ ability to listen to and perform a variety of styles of music. This valuable tool is key to helping the students grow in the arts.
Art
Our art curriculum places a high value on higher order thinking, while focusing on the needs of all of our students. Our students are encouraged to be independent in their creations and in return, they continue to flourish with each passing day. In Kindergarten, they learn about the elements of art, such as line, shape, and color, and find these elements in the world around us. They are introduced to new mediums such as pastels, clay and watercolors with a brief demonstration.
Students in grades 1-4 build upon what they learned in Kindergarten, using art elements as they delve into principles such as balance, proportion, and rhythm. They also learn about various cultures throughout the year, comparing the lives of Native Americans, Aborigines, Latin Americans, Chinese and more with our own culture in the United States. Students in 5th and 6th grade also build on the art elements and principles, with more focus on art history.
Wellness
The goal for the program is to provide knowledge to the students and staff to live healthier lives. Health lessons that align with PA Core Standards are offered weekly. Some of these units include personal hygiene, safety, nutrition, mental/emotional health, age-appropriate body system lessons and wellness tips.
Your child will be provided with Physical Education instruction as well. They will learn physical literacy, sportsmanship, and teamwork in a physically and emotionally safe environment. Some of the units include fitness, dancing, gymnastics, and individual skills (kicking, throwing, jumping, striking, sliding, etc.).
Technology
When Maria Montessori pioneered her method of teaching, she placed the physical world at the center of a child’s development. At Gettysburg Montessori Charter School, we honor that legacy by prioritizing tactile, imaginative play over screen time. While technology is a part of modern life, we believe the most profound learning happens when a child’s hands are busy exploring the real world, not just a digital one.
In our classrooms, technology is integrated with extreme care and intention. We view computers as a single tool in a much larger toolbox, never the focal point of the environment. While our students are provided with monitored Chromebooks to learn essential skills, we emphasize that these devices serve a specific purpose. By intentionally keeping technology in the background, we give our students the freedom to play, explore, and grow into well-rounded, capable individuals.
Library
The library is the central hub and heart of our school. The open design overlooks our courtyard, and provides an inviting space for students to discover the joys of reading, while the over 4,000 books are visually stimulating and spark curiosity as students pass through the hallways.
Library lessons engage students as they learn about story elements, the Dewey Decimal cataloging system, and explore a large variety of genres. The program incorporates carefully curated age-appropriate read-alouds, book discussions, and browsing time for students to peruse books that appeal to them. The main goal is to promote a lifetime love of reading.
Guidance
The Guidance program is a comprehensive program based on student needs, the PA Career Standards and the American School Counselor Association’s National Standards. It includes classroom lessons, small group counseling and individual counseling. Classroom lessons cover topics such as identifying and coping with emotions, diversity and respecting differences, bullying prevention, goal setting, self-awareness, self-esteem, and careers.
The program also provides career experiences, such as Junior Achievement (classroom lessons or BizTown) and the annual GMCS Career Fair. Small groups are based on student needs and include friendship, mindfulness and impulse control, anxiety, and self-esteem groups. The individual component is based on the immediate and ongoing needs of the students.
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