Incarnate Word Academy Montessori is the oldest Montessori school in Corpus Christi and is committed to excellence in Montessori education. The program offers the fullest possible development of the whole child.

Our Incarnate Word Montessori program encourages a child's natural curiosity and instills a life-long love of learning. It provides an environment that teaches respect, compassion, and responsibility for each other and for the environment.

Our History

The history of Incarnate Word Montessori School has been an effort on the part of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word in response to those in the Corpus Christi community who had been searching for standards that would further the welfare of the pre-school child. As a result of their encouragement, concerted effort and continuing interest, the first Catholic Montessori school in Corpus Christi was opened in September, l965. Generations of children have spent the most important years of their lives in this school. As we launch out into the future, we do so with trust and courage. We hope that through the child we shall help build a better world.

Our Purpose

Our Mission

• Facilitate a Christian wholeness in each person and a Christian unity among all
• Create a Catholic faith community

Our Vision

We aim at assisting the child to develop a deep reverence and respect for all of God's creation thus guiding the child to be an independent, compassionate, responsible, contributing member of society.

Our Values

Incarnate Word Montessori philosophy:

• Children need a carefully prepared environment richly supplied with motives for activity
• Children need an atmosphere of freedom and liberty to develop self discipline and independence that stimulates curiosity, creativity, learning and promotes respect for all living things
• Teachers act as guides to inspire the development of the whole child-physically, socially, emotionally, morally, spiritually and intellectually.
• Parent involvement is essential for helping their children to reach their full potential.

Incarnate Word Academy Montessori Academics

Our Primary Program is for children aged 3 to 6 years old. Children who begin the program at age 3 attend half-day morning sessions, five days per week. Children aged 4 to 6 attend full days, five days a week. 3, 4 and 5-year olds work together as they would in a family unit.

The primary curriculum covers a three-year period, and focuses on the following areas of learning: Practical Life, Sensorial Exercises, Language, Mathematics, Cultural Studies and Religion.

Practical Life exercise help children develop gross and fine motor skills. These exercises enable children to take care of themselves and their environment. Sensorial exercises develop sense perceptions and thinking skills. The materials help the child to explore the environment while learning to identify and classify shapes, sizes, colors, textures, tastes, sounds, weight and smells.

The Language curriculum develops the child's oral and written language. The letter sounds are taught with sandpaper letters, followed by word building, leading to reading.

Mathematics is explored with the use of concrete materials such as number rods. Golden beads are used to develop a concrete understanding of mathematical concepts.

Cultural Studies introduces the children to the world and its inhabitants using globes, maps, land and water forms, nomenclature cards and Cultural activities. The children express themselves through songs, dance and art.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an integral part of the curriculum. The teachers are trained in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and lessons are given on campus by trained teachers.

Montessori Lower Elementary

The lower elementary program serves children from the ages 6 to 9 years old. It covers the traditional grades of 1 to 3 in a multi-sensory, multi-aged classroom designed to foster physical, intellectual, creative, social and personal independence. Students are given a variety of tasks on which they work both together and independently.

Students work at their own pace, but they do so in a strong academic environment with high standards and expectations. Using the Montessori materials and manipulatives, students explore a diverse curriculum moving from concrete to abstract. The Montessori curriculum encompasses Language, Reading, Math, and the Cultural Areas of Geography, History and Science. Enrichment classes include Art, Music, P.E. and Spanish.

Montessori Senior Elementary

The senior elementary program currently serves students 9 to 11 years old, correlating with traditional grades 4 and 5. The Montessori materials that are present in the lower elementary class gradually disappear as the student advances from the concrete to abstract thinking and work. They make interdisciplinary connections as they become familiar with abstract academic concepts, and develop higher thinking, writing and investigative skills.

Senior Montessori students continue to develop time management skills as they work both independently and in small and large groups to accomplish daily tasks, long-term projects, homework and research individual interests. Senior Montessori students are expected to be self-motivated, self-initiated learners that are guided by their teachers through a curriculum that includes Mathematics, Geometry, Science, History, Geography and Language Arts.

Additionally, students can participate in outdoor nature and environmental studies, competitions, service projects and field trips. Enrichment classes include Art, Music, P.E. and Spanish. Students at this level are also invited to participate in the parochial sports league.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher conferences are held twice during the year. During this time each parent is expected to meet with the child's teacher to discuss his/her progress. Most of the important factors in the growth and development of a child are so vital and often so complex that they can be shared fruitfully between teacher and parents only through kind and honest discussion.

Parents are encouraged and most welcome to call on teachers whenever they feel extra conferences are necessary. This can be done either by phone or meetings. It is important to make previous arrangements for an appointment.

Grading and Reporting

Montessori Hours

After School Program

The YMCA provides after school care for any student for a monthly fee. Parents may register their child in the After School Program during registration. After school care is provided from 2:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in the Alameda Complex on school grounds. The onsite phone number is 882-9165. Students not picked up by 3:15 p.m. will be sent to the After School Program.