Overview

Our Specials Program enriches our core curriculum by offering a dynamic range of classes that nurture the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Starting at the earliest age, our students engage in creative and hands‑on experiences that spark curiosity and encourage self‑expression. Whether learning a new language or learning to perform on stage, these opportunities help students build confidence and discover passions. These classes complement their academic learning through joyful exploration.

Additional Information

Program Components:

• Music, Chorus & Band: Music education is an essential part of our Specials Program, nurturing creativity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Primary Age Level (Preschool to Kindergarten): Children are introduced to the building blocks of music—notes, rhythm, ear training, and singing—through joyful, hands‑on experiences. Weekly live demonstrations bring a wide variety of instruments into the classroom, and movement is woven in through body percussion, rhythm games, and free‑form dance, making music an active and engaging part of their day. Elementary and Middle School: Students take their skills further by joining the Hudson Montessori Children's Choir, led by our music teacher. The choir performs both on campus and in the community. Instrumental Experience (Jazz Band) Program: Elementary and Middle School students have the opportunity to explore and master instruments of their choice, from piano and guitar, and ukulele to drums, and more. Through individual or small group lessons, students deepen their skills, express their creativity, and discover their musical potential, building technical ability and joy when making music together in a group.
• STEAM, Technology, and Coding: Our STEAM classes connects science, engineering, math, technology, and art into a unified, hands‑on learning experience. Students explore real‑world concepts through inquiry‑based projects, sparking curiosity and creativity. They undertake web‑based research, 3D printing, programming, robotics, and computer science. In Engineering, children design and build—from simple machines to woodworking and carpentry projects—guided by visiting community engineers. In Technology, students learn about internet security, the parts and history of computers, and how technology has revolutionized the modern world. They are introduced to coding and have opportunities to showcase their work during our Code Night Event during Computer Science Week. Across all activities, students develop essential skills that prepare them to design, create, and innovate with confidence.
• Art: Our Art classes invite students to explore their creativity while developing essential skills in observation, design, and self‑expression. Students work with a variety of media, such as drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and mixed media. Lessons integrate both creative exploration and technical skill‑building while discovering the fundamental elements of art. The children explore line, shape, color, texture, value, form, and space. They are also introduced to notable artists and art movements from around the world, helping them see how art reflects culture, history, and personal vision. Some of the artists we explore include Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Keith Haring, Yayoi Kusama, Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, Henri Matisse, Georgia O'Keeffe, Marc Chagall, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein.
• Spanish: Our immersion‑style Spanish classes introduce children to the language through greetings, numbers, shapes, colors, and everyday vocabulary. Students explore Spanish literature, music, and movement while learning to communicate in simple spoken Spanish. Each class blends familiar routines with new songs, words, and phrases, helping students build confidence and fluency over time. As students progress to Elementary and Middle School, they also learn to read, write, and perform in Spanish. Designed for both Spanish‑speaking and non‑Spanish‑speaking students, the program uses games, songs, multimedia, and arts and crafts to make learning engaging and interactive. Lessons also incorporate cultural materials from Spain and Latin America, offering students a rich, multicultural perspective as they develop their communication skills.
• Physical Education: Our Physical Education classes focuses on developing each child's strength, coordination, endurance, and teamwork skills through a variety of engaging activities. Students participate in age‑appropriate games, exercises, and sports to promote healthy habits. In the early years, lessons emphasize gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and basic movement through fun activities such as obstacle courses, relays, and cooperative games. As students grow, they are introduced to more structured sports and skill‑based challenges to strengthen strategy and encourage sportsmanship. Beyond physical skills, the program helps students build confidence, set personal goals, and develop respect for themselves and others. Lessons integrate concepts of health and wellness, including the importance of regular exercise, nutrition, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
• Library and Literacy Enrichment: Our Library & Literacy Enrichment class fosters a love of reading and research, helping students grow into lifelong learners who delight in discovering new stories, ideas, and information. Beginning in Kindergarten, our students visit the school library each week to enjoy engaging read‑alouds, participate in educational and entertaining programming, and select books to take home and enjoy. By Upper Elementary and Middle School, children also take walking trips to the nearby Jersey City Public Library. The school librarian serves as both guide and resource, connecting students with age‑appropriate fiction and nonfiction to support classroom projects as well as books that capture their imaginations during free reading time. Through these experiences, students not only build strong literacy skills but also develop an enduring appreciation for reading.
• Public Speaking: The skills and confidence required for Public Speaking are fostered at all levels—from Toddlers to Middle School. Students learn how to share their ideas clearly and effectively. Through activities such as Reader's Theater storytelling, role‑play, debates, and presentations, they organize their thoughts, speak with clarity, and actively listen to others. Lessons focus on building voice projection, articulation, body language, and eye contact, while also encouraging creativity and improvisation. Students gain experience speaking in a variety of settings, from small group discussions in the classroom to presenting to larger audiences in an auditorium. This program helps each child discover their unique voice, equipping them with communication skills that they can use in school and all facets of life.