Cosmic Education and the Great Stories

Cosmic Education was Montessori’s vision for the Elementary child and it is the basis of the elementary Montessori classroom. Cosmic Education is an approach that leads students to an understanding and appreciation for the whole universe and the interconnectedness between its parts. Cosmic Education seeks to highlight the all-encompassing, holistic vision of various disciplines combined. To do this we start with the Great Lessons, impressionistic stories of the universe and the history of life and humanity. This vision of the universe, as a place full of connected and purposeful life, leads an Elementary child toward greater questions, such as his or her place in the universe and what that entails. Montessori’s hope was that this point of view would lead children to a sense of wonder about the universe, and thus to strive for a more peaceful society.

The Great Lessons are thought of as a prologue to a drama, each acts as a "curtain-raiser" to the disciplines of science, history, mathematics, and language arts. In each of these disciplines there are many more stories and lessons connecting back to the Great Lessons and other lessons. Students can pursue the various ideas presented in them as their interests allow. The lessons offer students a broad view of the community. The connections made through Cosmic Education lead to further moral questions that will set the tone for how they live their lives.

Each child’s education is a journey. We feel fortunate to be able to guide this part of the growth and development. We trust the unique journey of your child and always seek to serve them with developmentally appropriate lessons and ideas.

The Great Lessons are the heart and soul of the Elementary Curriculum.