What a Day Looks Like at Mid Cape Montessori (Grades 1-6)
- Caitlin Van Gelder
- Sep 2
- 4 min read
Uninterrupted work periods, hands‑on learning, outdoor time, and mixed‑age classrooms that support learners!
Families often ask what a typical school day looks like in a Montessori program. At Mid Cape Montessori, the rhythm of the day is purposeful and calm, with long work periods, hands‑on materials, and time outside. Our mixed‑age classrooms serve grades 1–3, 4–6, and 7–8, which lets students move ahead where they are ready and get support where they need it without stigma.
Located in Brewster near the Dennis line, we also have access to vans that can provide transportation from the Exit 6 area in Barnstable when demand supports a route.
The daily rhythm at a glance
This sample is meant to show flow and priorities rather than strict minute‑by‑minute timing. Replace the placeholders with your exact times and details.
Montessori Daily Schedule Highlights
8:30–9:15 – Morning Arrival & Outdoor Time
Students begin outside with guided routines: lining up, safety instructions, and transitioning indoors.
9:15–12:15 – Work Period
Students begin the work period by creating a work plan-a structured list that helps them decide what work to do that day
Students freely choose purposeful, hands-on activities that foster concentration, independence, and deep engagement in learning.
12:15-1:15- Lunch and Recess
1:15–2:15 – Specials
Rotating subjects: Spanish, American Sign Language, Art, Music, Yoga/Mindfulness, and Fitness
Teachers and outside instructors prepare and organize materials for each special.
2:15–2:45 – Library / DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) / Flex Time
Book care lessons and appropriate reading choices.
Students will be given the chance to create book clubs based on their interests and what they are reading
Teaching students how to check out books.
Additional outdoor time, assessment, work period, project work, or other enrichment support, based on individual student need, may be scheduled during this time as well
2:45–3:00 – Wrap-Up
Book return or checkout
Taking care of our space
Gathering materials and preparing for dismissal.
What students experience in each block
Arrival and Outdoor Time
Being outside is often a great source of emotional and physical regulation for students. We begin the day with outdoor time (or semi-structured indoor play in inclement weather). This time is designed to give students a few moments to transition, collect themselves, talk to their friends, seek out their teacher for questions and concerns, and have a buffer to be a few minutes late without the stress of missing the start of the day.
Once inside, students enter a prepared classroom, choose meaningful work, and begin at their own pace. A brief gathering helps preview lessons and practice grace and courtesy skills. This keeps the day calm and student centered.
Long, uninterrupted work periods
The heart of Montessori is an extended work cycle. Students select tasks from their work plans, receive targeted small‑group or one‑to‑one lessons, and practice with tactile, multi‑sensory materials that make abstract ideas concrete. This format supports sustained focus and reduces transitions that can be hard for some learners.
Work plans help students plan, prioritize, and reflect. Teachers guide children to carry unfinished goals forward to the next day, which strengthens executive functioning.
The environment includes a peace corner where students can regulate and return to learning when they need a reset.
Lunch …. And More Outdoor Time
Daily outdoor exploration is part of the rhythm, not an afterthought. Time outside supports regulation, social connection, and curiosity about the natural world. Lunch is unhurried and social. We are fortunate to have a playground, mud kitchen, and large back lawn to allow for all types of play.
Afternoon Specials and Library
Afternoon Specials - Language offerings will include Spanish and American Sign Language. Fitness outdoors with fitness instructor incorporating physical and social aspects of exercise, Music lessons with local musician focused on the joy of music in our lives, Art with a focus on self-expression and enrichment, Yoga and mindfulness on Friday afternoons.
Library/DEAR/Flex time will help students love reading, whether that is alone or in groups, and allow for extra time on special projects or additional student needs.
Closing and dismissal
Students will participate in taking care of our space and making it ready for the next day and end the day outside. Aftercare will start here.
How this day supports unique learners
Mid Cape Montessori is intentionally friendly for neurodivergent students, including those with ADHD, 504 plans, sensory differences, or uneven academic profiles.
Self‑paced learning reduces frustration and builds confidence. Students move ahead in areas of strength and receive targeted support where needed, which is normal in mixed‑age communities.
Hands‑on, multi‑sensory materials engage different learning styles and help students process information more effectively.
Executive function coaching is built into work planning, prioritizing, and following‑through across the week.
Low‑stress culture with freedom of movement, small group lessons, and a peace corner supports regulation and focus.
No traditional homework respects family time and lets home be for rest and play. Reading by choice is encouraged.
Transportation and Aftercare
We are in Brewster near the Dennis line, and we have access to vans that can provide transport from Exit 6 in the Barnstable area when enrollment supports a route.
Transportation
Transportation to/from Exit 68 (Old Exit 6) in Barnstable. Pick up at 8:30 am, drop off at 4:45 pm.
$3,200/yr
After-Care
After-Care until 5 pm, Monday - Friday when school is in session
$2,300/yr
Extended School Year
Extended School Year I - 3 weeks after last day of school
Extended School Year II - 3 weeks in August.
$500/wk
Sign up now or later!
Curious about how school can be different?
Schedule a tour and experience the Montessori difference at Mid Cape Montessori—where learning meets real life.
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