Primary Montessori
For children ages 3 through 6, including Prek 3, Prek 4, and K.
A CHILD CENTERED FOUNDATION
At the foundation of the Primary Program is the understanding that at three years of age, a child’s mind becomes “conscious” or aware of those things that are presented to him or her. Since the presentation must be accessible, the Montessori Primary classroom environment is a child-sized world. The outside world is incorporated meaningfully into lessons. The teacher carefully guides students to use specialized Montessori materials so that a child can explore at a level he or she is able to understand. At the Primary level, the specialized materials and curriculum center on experiences relating to practical life, sensory skills, language, math, geography, history, science, art, music, and drama.
FOSTERING INDEPENDENCE
Children learn to work independently and explore concepts deeply at their own pace. Children are given individual lessons on specific materials that explore key concepts in math and literacy, as well as other subjects. Already the universe is their mental playground. They learn early concepts in understanding the universe, basic geography, and the path of human development. In addition, students in the primary years also learn to respect and contribute to a caring learning community. Teachers model behaviors that students learn to master, such as graceful movement, speaking with inside voices, and acting with dignity and courtesy.
Primary Teaching Staff
Deborah Smalley
Primary Teacher Ms. Smalley was born and raised in North Ridgeville, Ohio. She attended the University of Toledo, Ohio, where she earned a BA in English. She holds a Master of Arts in teaching in technology at Trinity University in Washington DC. She holds a Primary Montessori Certification from Barrie IAMS – Silver Spring, MD. In her work children, Ms. Smalley enjoy watching that “lightbulb moment” when a child learns to read or solves a math problem for the very first time. She also enjoys the opportunity to teach all subjects to educate the WHOLE child! As for her hobbies and interests, Ms. Smalley has recently taught herself how to crochet. She loves to make beaded jewelry. A lover of all animals, Ms. Smalley has been a foster for cats, kittens, and puppies. She loves all things nature – especially daily walks in the woods. Her favorite place to be is the beach!
Anthony Wiley
Instructional Assistant
MacKenzie Ford
Primary Teacher
Kara Davis
Instructional Assistant Ms. KD was born in Washington, D.C. but grew up in Prince George’s County, MD. She attended Chowan University in which she received a B.S in Physical Education. Ms. KD is fully committed to helping each student reach success. She enjoys watching the students progress throughout the year. Working with students has taught her so much about herself. Ms. KD enjoys playing sports, hiking, cooking, and entertaining. She also enjoys quiet time. She loves meditating and journaling.
Adetoun Adepoju
Primary Teacher Ms. Adepoju was born in Lagos, Nigeria. She holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Industrial Chemistry from Bowen University, Nigeria. She also attended the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where she earned a Post Graduate Degree in Education. She attended the Washington Montessori Institute at Loyola Univeristy In Maryland, where she earned her AMI Montessori Diploma (Primary) alongside her Masters in Montessori Education. As a Primary Guide, Ms. Adepoju cherishes the opportunity that she has to make a difference in a child’s life. Seeing her students leave her classroom after kindergarten with skills they did not have when they came in is highly satisfying to her. Outside of the classroom, Adetoun enjoys reading, cooking, and singing.
Sarah Kaufman-Relph
Primary Teacher – Room 109 Ms. Kaufman-Relph has been teaching Primary Montessori for many years. She trained at the Association Montessori Internationale-affiliated Montessori Institute Northwest in Oregon and received her Master of Education degree from Loyola University in Maryland, in conjunction with her AMI diploma. She began her teaching career in a private school in Portland, but was thrilled to discover, after moving to Washington, that the DC Public Schools offered Montessori in some of its schools. Ms. Kaufman-Relph served on Chancellor Rhee’s Teachers Cabinet during the 2009-2010 SY. Ms. Kaufman had always wanted to be a teacher and when she stumbled upon Montessori, she knew that she had found an educational philosophy and method that made sense and really spoke to her. One of her favorite aspects of classroom life is watching her students’ excitement over learning from the Montessori materials and from each other. She recognizes how essential it is to give children the freedom to discover and develop at their own pace and to experience success and independence in a loving, supportive environment. Outside of school, Ms. Kaufman enjoys reading and doing crossword puzzles.
Nakia Wright-Garner
Instructional Assistant
Ann McCracken
Primary Teacher Over the fifteen plus years as a Montessori teacher, Ms. McCracken has worn several different “hats” including primary teacher, reading resource teacher, and special education instructor. Ms. McCraken has an A.B. from Vassar College and an M.A. from Duke University. She recently attended Middlebury College’s summer Spanish School. In addition, Ms. McCraken has pursued graduate work in special education at Catholic University and passed the Praxis Special Education test. Outside of school, she likes to relax by swimming and attending jazz concerts. Her adult son attended a Montessori school from age two to age 12.
Anni Gonzalez
Instructional Assistant Ms. Gonzalez was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. She has a Bachelors of Fine Arts. As she works with children, Ms. Gonzalez feels that she is a better human being. The work challenges her every day, and she welcomes that challenge because it makes her a better person and educator. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Gonzalez enjoys outdoor activities and reading a good book.
Sandra Lee
Primary Teacher
Kenou Mbaye
Instructional Assistant Ms. Mbaye grew up in Senegal, in the capital city of Dakar. She holds a Midwifery diploma and is an adult and child CPR certified. Additionally, she is trained as a Certified Nursing Assistant. As a midwife for eighteen years, Ms. Mbaye loves her work with kids. She has a deep love of teaching, helping others, working with people, team working, and making a positive contribution to peoples’ lives. Kenou’s hobbies include cooking, reading, sewing, and crafting.
Molly Sloss
Primary Teacher “Avoiding war is the work of politicians. Creating peace is the work of the educator.” – Maria Montessori. Ms. Sloss was born and raised in Washington DC, and is thrilled to be back in the District doing the most important work in the world. She holds a BA in Urban Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.Ed in Early Childhood Education, AMI certification, from Loyola University of Maryland. Outside of her role as primary guide, Molly enjoys women’s soccer, acoustic guitar, and hiking the Appalachian Trail with her rescue dog. Ms. Sloss is a proud DCPS graduate who has experience teaching in Philadelphia and New Orleans. Rooted in social justice and activism, she approaches all work with children from a peace-building, anti-bias and anti-racist (ABAR), lens.
Deja Pendleton
Instructional Assistant
Sarada Narayanan
Primary Teacher Ms. Narayanan spent her formative years with her parents and her younger brother in the Middle East where she remembers growing up with friends from several nationalities. She spent her next 12 years in Chennai, India during which she finished her high school and earned her Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Engineering from the College of Engineering, Guindy. After working for two years in a digital marketing company she left for the United Kingdom to pursue her Masters in Management specializing in Strategic Management at Lancaster University. It was while writing a paper for her course work during her Masters that she read more about the Montessori system of education and decided to pursue it further. Ms. Narayanan earned her AMI diploma from the Washington Montessori Institute and her Master of Education from Loyola University, Maryland. Ms. Narayanan currently lives with her husband in Arlington, Virginia. She enjoys travelling, cooking and reading books.
Katherine Carrillo
Instructional Assistant