Montessori Summer Program: A Summer That Feels Like Childhood

by | Jan 9, 2026 | Montessori Early Development, Montessori Education, School News & Events

We believe summer should feel like childhood. It should include sunshine, creativity, movement, and wonder.

At Montessori Stepping Stones, our summer program provides children with a safe, enriching environment where learning happens naturally through play, exploration, and meaningful experiences.

From mid-June through late August, children experience a summer that blends Montessori structure with seasonal joy, hands-on learning, and plenty of time to explore outside.

Summer Program Dates and Hours

We understand that parents still have to work, even when school is out. We keep consistent hours throughout the summer to support working families while adapting daily activities to reflect the slower, more exploratory rhythm of the season.

  • Dates: June 15 to August 28
  • Days: Monday through Friday
  • Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

One Summer Program, Three Unique Experiences

Each level of our school experiences summer in a developmentally appropriate way. While the philosophy remains the same, the daily structure looks different for each age group.

1. Infant and Toddler Summer Program

Toddler sitting on the grass splashing in a blue water pool during Montessori summer program sensory play.

Our toddlers enjoy frequent water days, exploring sensory experiences in a safe, shaded outdoor environment.

Our Infant and Toddler program prioritizes caregiving and routine while embracing summer fun. Consistency remains the foundation, helping young children feel safe and confident even as new seasonal experiences are introduced.

Summer Highlights:

  • Frequent backyard water play days.
  • Sensory exploration with bubbles, sand, and natural materials.
  • Extended outdoor time in our secure play areas.

2. Preschool Summer Program: Science & Nature

Preschool student using a magnifying glass to examine fossils and rocks during a Montessori science nature lesson.

Summer is for discovery! Preschoolers use real scientific tools to examine nature, insects, and fossils found in our environment.

Our Preschool Summer Program is centered around a Science and Nature theme. We allow children to explore the Macomb County ecosystem through observation, experimentation, and hands-on discovery.

Preschoolers spend their summer:

  • Exploring plants, insects, weather, and natural materials.
  • Participating in simple science experiments.
  • Creating art inspired by the natural world.
  • Spending extended time outdoors learning through movement.

3. Elementary Summer Program (Camp)

Elementary students playing jump rope outside the Montessori Stepping Stones building in Mount Clemens during summer camp.

Our elementary students enjoy a true summer camp feel with outdoor games, team challenges, and plenty of fresh air.

Our Elementary program (including just-graduated Kindergarteners) takes on a camp-like feel while remaining grounded in Montessori values. It supports independence, collaboration, and real-world skills while feeling fun and relaxed.

Weekly Activities Include:

  • Cooking Days: Real-world practical life experiences.
  • LEGO Days: Engineering and structural challenges.
  • Creative Crafts: Hands-on art projects.
  • Outdoor Games: Cooperative play and physical movement.

Why Choose a Montessori Summer Program?

A Montessori summer offers benefits that traditional summer camps often do not:

  • Hands-On Learning: We explore concepts through materials, not worksheets.
  • Nature-First: Outdoor exploration is a core part of the day, not an afterthought.
  • Mixed-Age Collaboration: Children learn from and help one another.
  • Freedom Within Structure: A relaxed pace that still supports independence.

Summer at Montessori Stepping Stones is designed to nurture curiosity, confidence, and joy.

Contact us today! Spaces fill quickly for the summer session!

Ready to Secure Your Child's Spot?

Contact us today to find out more about the program and to secure your child’s spot!