Article from Hudson Montessori School

Traditional American schools tend to focus so much on math and reading that too often science, social studies, and the arts trail behind. At Hudson Montessori School, the curriculum is infused with science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math. The school is preparing its students to be innovators and critical thinkers as we advance into the 21st century.

The school was accredited by the National Institute for STEM Education in 2019 and was the first STEM accredited elementary school in New Jersey. To achieve this accreditation, the school met rigorous criteria that demonstrated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics were deep-set in its curriculum. STEAM teachers Dr. Grace Sanvictores and Michelle Velho also achieved their certification as STEM teachers.

Hudson Montessori School teaches college-level science to its elementary students because they are ready for it, especially when it is presented clearly. Biochemistry teacher Dr. Daniel Fried, a Yale-trained scientist, has unlocked how to make this advanced material digestible for the school’s young minds.

“The beginning premise is that the kids are competent learners,” says Dr. Fried. “They have a brain that works. I don’t have prejudice about their development level; it’s higher than it’s perceived.”

Over 10 years, he developed an easily-to-comprehend series of 24 units, covering everything from introductory chemistry to radiation, DNA, genetics, and lipid chemistry. Before taking his program across the country, he piloted and fine-tuned his classes with Hudson Montessori students, proving that his program is effective and successful.

Dr. Fried says Montessori students are a great group for his program, “They are used to collaborative work, think outside the box, love projects, and enjoy working across disciplines and with multiple styles.”

When they tell their students that they are learning college-level science, they become more attentive, enthusiastic, and confident. Dr. Fried’s visual aids drastically reduce students’ mental work, resulting in rapid progress through the material.

Another benefit of learning chemistry earlier is that by the time many students reach high school or college, their youthful curiosity about science may fade as tests and loads of other school work creep in. By unlocking their brain’s potential now, the information is ingrained and not as challenging to grasp later.

Hudson Montessori School doesn’t stop at STEM. It is a STEAM school; the added “A” is for the arts. Creativity is an essential element for artistic expression, problem-solving, prototyping, and public presentation skills. “STEAM” learning is more well-rounded, energizing both sides of the brain—creative and analytical.

Their teachers use project-based learning to excite and engage students. STEAM learning activities include the students’ participation in the Day in the Life of the Hudson River longitudinal study, Code Night, Maker Faire, and the Hudson County Science Fair STEM Showcase, and much more.

Learn more about Hudson Montessori School and schedule a school tour on their website – hudsonmontessori.net