Primary Class
A Joyful Start to Lifelong Learning
Why Early Learners Thrive at DGS
The primary years set the stage for everything that follows. We focus on engaging your child's natural curiosity and intrinsic desire to discover right from the start, providing a joyful learning environment that lets them progress at their own pace.
Montessori Principles
Our Primary classroom is a carefully prepared Montessori environment designed to meet children where they are developmentally and foster independence, concentration, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Children have the freedom to choose meaningful work, move at their own pace, and learn through hands-on Montessori materials with guidance from their teachers. Through this balance of freedom and structure, children develop confidence, self-discipline, and an increasing sense of responsibility for themselves and their community.
Exploration, Creativity & Movement
Young children learn by doing, moving, imagining, creating, and exploring. Our days provide plenty of room for open-ended exploration, free play, creative expression, movement, and time to follow individual interests. Children are encouraged to wonder, experiment, solve problems, collaborate with friends, and develop their own ideas—building creativity and critical-thinking skills along the way.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Our beautiful 3-acre campus is an extension of the Primary classroom. Children spend time outside every day exploring the woods and natural spaces, working in our gardens, observing plants and wildlife, and experiencing the changing seasons firsthand. Ample time outdoors also gives children opportunities to move their bodies, take appropriate risks, build resilience, and develop a meaningful connection with the natural world.
Nurturing the Whole Child
Montessori education recognizes that intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development are deeply connected. Children build strong foundations in reading and language, mathematics, science, geography, practical life, and cultural studies while also exploring sustainability, nature, art, and engineering in age-appropriate ways. Just as importantly, they learn to navigate friendships, understand their emotions, care for themselves and others, and develop the confidence and independence that will support them far beyond the Primary classroom.
An Early Education That Defies the Ordinary
Every day at DGS is designed to capture your child's imagination. Here is how we make the Primary years count.
Bringing Science to Life
Science happens right in front of their eyes. By watching caterpillars turn into butterflies, tending to plants, and hatching chickens, our students develop a respect for all living things.
First Steps into Adventure
Day trips and local excursions help our youngest learners feel right at home in the world. From walking trips around town to hikes at Rocky Creek, these excursions help your child build confidence before they eventually transition to overnight travel in Lower Elementary.
Practical Life Skills
Our students take active pride in their environment. Your child will manage small daily responsibilities and classroom chores that keep their space beautiful, fostering a wonderful sense of personal responsibility and the confidence to say, "I can do it myself."
Joyful Creative Expression
Creativity is woven throughout our days. Children have frequent opportunities to paint, draw, build, sculpt, make music, engage in imaginative play, and explore a wide variety of materials. We value the creative process—giving children the freedom to experiment, express their own ideas, and discover the joy and confidence that come from making something uniquely their own.
Peace, Mindfulness & Emotional Growth
Learning to understand ourselves and live peacefully with others is an important part of Montessori education. Through mindfulness practices, Grace and Courtesy lessons, and Montessori tools such as the Peace Rose, children learn to recognize and express their feelings, listen to others, work through conflicts, and practice kindness and respect. Over time, these everyday experiences help children develop self-awareness, empathy, self-regulation, and the skills to become thoughtful members of their classroom community.
​Our Primary Program for Early Learners
Our program grows with your child. We provide two schedules based on their age and readiness for the school day.
3 & 4 Year-Olds
Primary Half (Pre-K): A five-day, half-day program for 3 and 4 year-olds running from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM for students who turn three or four on or before August 31st.
Forest Explorers: A play-based exploratory forest program for 3 and 4 year-olds that runs 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM with options for one day a week up to five days a week.
5 Year-Olds
Kindergarten: A five-day, full-day kindergarten program running from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM for students who turn five on or before August 31st.
A Few Housekeeping Items
To help keep our classrooms safe and comfortable for our youngest learners, please keep the following in mind:
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Potty Independence: All entering students must be fully potty trained before beginning the program.​
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Healthy Lunches & Snacks: Students eat lunch on campus and must bring their own healthy food packed from home.
What Our Families Say
The Admissions
Process
Ready to see your little learner thrive? We invite you to experience the magic of our classrooms firsthand. Follow these steps to begin your application and secure your spot for the upcoming year.
01
Attend an Info Session
Start by scheduling an info session. You will tour our classrooms and see our Montessori curriculum in person.
02
Submit Your Application
Complete our online application along with the $80 application fee.
03
The Student Visit Day
We want to make sure DGS is the perfect fit. Your child will spend a day or more on campus participating in activities alongside their future peers.
04
Enrollment Decision
After your child's visit day, our team will review your application. We will reach out with your official enrollment decision so you can begin planning for the school year ahead!