The Lower Elementary aged children are full of awe and wonder about the world in which they live. At Montessori by the Sea, we go beyond the usual goals of basic skills acquisition to address the development of the whole person.  We provide experiential learning and hands-on materials that gives students a clear understanding of the natural world, human knowledge, and themselves. We  use an integrated thematic approach where students learn about the physical universe, the world of nature, and the human experience through interactive investigation.  Academic skills in math, reading, science, geography, practical life, cultural studies and language arts are mastered within the meaningful context of this big picture. Peace education and problem solving play a significant role to enable students to develop conflict resolution and critical thinking skills.