Fiddlehead Montessori Elementary teaches students in Anacortes, Washington, and the Skagit Valley.

Elementary (Ages 6–12)

At Fiddlehead Montessori, our Elementary program builds upon the strong foundation established in the Early Childhood years, empowering students to become independent thinkers, compassionate leaders, and confident lifelong learners.

Our classrooms follow the educational philosophy and methods developed by Dr. Maria Montessori and are led by certified Montessori teachers. Rather than relying on whole-group instruction, our teachers carefully observe each student, providing lessons in small groups or individually based on readiness, interests, and developmental needs. This personalized approach allows children to deepen their understanding, develop critical thinking skills, and progress at a pace that is both challenging and appropriate.

Montessori students learn through hands-on exploration before moving to abstract concepts. Beautiful, purposeful Montessori materials help children build a strong understanding of mathematics, language, science, geography, history, and cultural studies. Students are encouraged to ask questions, investigate topics in depth, and pursue meaningful work that sparks curiosity and inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Our mixed-age elementary community fosters collaboration rather than competition. Younger students learn by observing and working alongside older peers, while older students strengthen their own understanding by mentoring, encouraging, and leading others. These daily experiences cultivate confidence, empathy, responsibility, and respect for different perspectives.

Beyond academics, our Elementary program emphasizes the development of the whole child. Students learn to manage their time, make thoughtful choices, solve problems collaboratively, and contribute meaningfully to their classroom and community. Through outdoor education, leadership opportunities, service learning, and purposeful work, children develop the skills and character needed to thrive both in school and beyond.

What Makes Fiddlehead Elementary Unique?

• Integrated Wilderness Education – Students regularly learn outdoors, building confidence, resilience, environmental stewardship, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

• Community Service – Elementary students participate in meaningful service opportunities that cultivate leadership, empathy, responsibility, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

• Purposeful Technology Use – We believe childhood is best spent exploring, creating, collaborating, and engaging with the world around us. Technology is used intentionally and sparingly, allowing students to develop strong concentration, creativity, and interpersonal skills through authentic, hands-on experiences.

Our Goals

Our Elementary program is designed to:

• Foster independence, responsibility, and self-motivation.

• Develop strong academic foundations through hands-on, individualized learning.

• Encourage curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.

• Build leadership, collaboration, and respectful communication within a mixed-age community.

• Cultivate confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

• Inspire students to become thoughtful, compassionate contributors to their communities.