The Daily Program at MLC
Our Day to Day Program
At MLC, the school day is designed around the natural rhythms of young children. Our classrooms provide long, uninterrupted periods for Montessori work, balanced with time outdoors, meals, rest, movement, and connection with friends and teachers.
Rather than moving children from activity to activity on an adult-led schedule, the Montessori day gives children time to settle into meaningful work, follow their interests, practice independence, and move at a pace that supports their individual development.
Our Daily Program runs from 8:30 AM–3:00 PM, with both half-day and full-day options available.
Program Hours
Half Day
8:30 AM–12:30 PM
Full Day
8:30 AM–3:00 PM
Children enrolled in our Half Day program participate in the morning Montessori work cycle, outdoor time, and lunch before dismissal.
Full Day children continue into our afternoon program, which includes rest or nap opportunities based on age and developmental needs. Kindergarten-aged children participate in an additional afternoon Montessori work cycle from 12:30–2:30 PM.
A Full Day at MLC
Need care beyond the traditional school day? Families can build a schedule that works for them with Early Care beginning at 7:30 AM and The Birdhouse Aftercare following the Daily Program from 3:00-5:00PM.
Together, these programs allow children to spend their extended day in a familiar environment with the MLC community while keeping the Montessori school day at the center of their experience.
A Day at a Glance
8:30 AM | The Day Begins
Children arrive and settle into their classrooms, greeting teachers and friends and preparing for the day ahead.
Morning | Montessori Work Cycle
The heart of our morning is an uninterrupted Montessori work period. Children independently choose work from the prepared classroom environment while teachers observe, offer individual and small-group lessons, and support each child's development.
The morning also includes opportunities for outdoor play, movement, community, and care of the classroom environment, with the exact rhythm varying by classroom and age group.
11:15–11:45 AM | Lunch
Lunch takes place between 11:15 and 11:45 AM across our classrooms. Mealtime is another opportunity to practice independence, conversation, grace and courtesy, and care for ourselves and our environment.
12:30 PM | Half-Day Dismissal & Afternoon Transition
Half-day students head home while full-day children transition into the afternoon portion of their day.
12:30–2:30 PM | Rest, Nap & Kindergarten Work Cycle
Children who need sleep or rest have access to designated napping rooms, providing a quieter environment away from the active classroom.
Our Kindergarten students return to the Montessori environment for an extended afternoon work cycle from 12:30–2:30 PM. This additional uninterrupted time allows our oldest students to explore more advanced work, deepen concentration, and continue building the independence that prepares them for their next steps.
2:30–3:00 PM | Closing the Day
Children begin wrapping up their classroom day and preparing for dismissal at 3:00 PM or transitioning into The Birdhouse for Aftercare.