Most children start Primary around age 3. Readiness matters more than the birthday, and we’ll decide together.
Montessori Primary usually starts around age 3 and runs through age 6, including the kindergarten year. At Young Minds Montessori in Cedar Park and Leander, readiness matters more than an exact birthday. The teachers look at independence with toileting and dressing, communicating needs, separating from parents, and staying with an activity, and they talk it through with families on a personal tour.
Most children start Primary around age 3. If your child is 3, 4 or 5 and new to Montessori, they are welcome in a Primary room, and we'll help you plan the transition.
Try these this week. Yes to most is a great sign, and "almost" is completely normal.
Not every box needs to be checked. Practical life at home helps: see our blog on practical life and toilet learning.
| Toddler | Primary | |
|---|---|---|
| Ages | From 16 months at Cedar Park and 18 months at Leander, up to age 3 | Ages 3 to 6, including the kindergarten year |
| Room focus | Movement, language and independence in a prepared environment for the youngest children | Practical life, sensorial, language, math and cultural studies in a mixed-age room |
| What children practice | Caring for themselves and their space, early language, coordination | Longer concentration, choosing work, helping younger children |
| Learn more | Toddler program | Primary program |
You are not too late. A child who joins at 4 or 5 finds a room full of older and younger friends. Peers model the routines, and teachers introduce the materials one at a time at your child's own pace. Our pre-K and kindergarten guide covers joining at this age.
Our Heads of School talk readiness through with families every week. Bring your child, watch the room together and we'll suggest the right program. Read the tour guide to see what the visit is like.
Kindergarten is the third year of Primary. See Montessori pre-K and kindergarten.
Around 3. Readiness matters more than an exact birthday.
Most children are using the toilet with little help by the time they start Primary. If your child is almost there, talk with us on your tour.
Toileting, self-care, communicating needs, separating and staying with an activity. See the five signs and the self-check above.
Toddler is for the youngest children, up to age 3. Primary is a mixed-age room for ages 3 to 6. See the comparison above.
Yes, children join at those ages. Talk with the Head of School on your tour about the transition.
Talk with us on your tour. We'll look at your child and your family's schedule together and suggest the right program.
It is the third year of Primary, for ages 5 to 6, in the same mixed-age classroom.
A personal tour takes about 30 minutes, and your child is welcome.