A student’s journey in a Lower Elementary classroom at Ignite Academy is designed to build confidence, collaboration with teachers and peers, and support for gaining the skills to engage in self-directed and personalized learning. The essence of Montessori is visible in each classroom environment through the shaping and promotion of care and consideration towards self, others, and the classroom and school environment. 

Our lower elementary teachers and assistants shape experiences for students that encourage them as self-directed and motivated learners. IEA values instruction that emphasizes personalized learning that is presented in a variety of formats, including, but not limited to: 

-Dynamic and engaging lessons with manipulative materials for conceptualization

-Blended learning through technological platforms that are adaptive, according to a child’s skills and progress and encourage critical thinking and problem solving

-Project-based experiences that connect learning to the both the local community and the world and engage students in passion-based learning, ranging from quests to challenges to expeditionary showcases. 

-Field experiences that promote learning beyond the classroom walls, to locations that engage imaginative learning, creativity, cultural and historical connections, and entrepreneurial elements.