Month by month, here's what your child will explore, create, and celebrate at Valley Oak this year — plus every closure and family event you'll want on your calendar.
Settling in, building community, and the very first steps into the year's studies.
Getting acquainted with the environment, introduction to ground rules, working in the classroom, fire and safety, the job chart, and presentations on practical life, sensorial, and academics for returning students.
Ground rules, name songs, and grace & courtesy songs.
Introduction to the Universe — the Big Bang story and the Solar System.
Monday, September 7, 2026 — Labor Day
From the Solar System down to Earth — and a first close look at our own country.
Continuing the Solar System, introduction to the planet Earth, globes, and the flat map of the world. Introduction to the continent of North America and the country USA — outline map, flag, land formation, people, food, landmarks, major celebrations, and language.
History, stories, songs, and activities, with a celebration for children on Friday, October 30. Parents are invited at 9:30 am to watch the children sing, see them in costume, and enjoy the parade.
Friday, October 23 — Parent Teacher Conferences
Learning about Native American history and culture as our study of the USA continues.
Introduction to Native Americans, continuing our study of the USA.
Tuesday, November 24 — a feast for the children.
A season of music, wintertime art, and getting ready for the Winter Recital.
Parent gathering in the evening on Friday, December 11 to celebrate together. Please pick up children by 11:30 am that day.
Thursday, December 24 through Friday, January 1 — back to school Monday, January 4, 2027.
Heading north to learn about our neighbor, plus a season of peace and reflection.
Introduction to the country of Canada — outline map, flag, land formation, people, food, landmarks, major celebrations, and language.
Peace — honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Monday, January 18, 2027 — MLK Day
South America opens our next continent study, alongside a season of kindness.
Introduction to the continent of South America and its countries — outline map, flag, land formation, people, food, landmarks, major celebrations, and language.
Children distribute Valentine's cards and everyone wears red. A special lunch for children is served on Valentine's Day, Friday, February 12.
Monday, February 15 — President's Day
Continuing South America, with two favorite spring traditions along the way.
Continuing our study of South American countries.
Friday, March 5, 2027 — Staff Development Day
Coming back home to the USA as the school year turns toward spring.
Coming back to the USA in our cultural studies.
Various Artists music.
Friday, April 16 — Parent Teacher Conferences
Vibrant color, music, and a celebration for the mothers in our community.
Introduction to Mexico — outline map, flag, land formation, people, food, landmarks, major celebrations, and language.
Mothers are invited to celebrate on Friday, May 7.
Monday, May 31 — Memorial Day
Celebrating a year of growth and sending our kindergarten-bound friends off in style.
Report cards go home, and the class prepares for the Spring Program and Graduation.
This calendar is our holidays, celebrations, music, art, and cultural journey. Underneath it, every day is built on Geography, History, Botany, and Zoology, with music and art woven throughout.
Understanding numbers, addition, subtraction, sometimes multiplication, time, money, and fractions — all built on hands-on materials at the child's own pace.
Learning the sounds, putting sounds together for meaningful reading with short and long vowels, writing, and simple spelling — plus rhyming, opposites, grammar, and more.
Our Language and Math curriculum is based on self-development and achieving these concepts at each child's own pace, with hands-on materials provided in the classroom. Our academic goals are that children are well prepared and grounded for entering Kindergarten or First Grade. The Montessori curriculum has a very wide base — by providing a prepared environment, positive discipline, acceptance, trust, encouragement, offering choices, and guiding children, learning happens at the child's pace as they unfold their potential.
We welcome you to enjoy the process of learning in a natural way.
