Our Elementary
Program
Igniting Vision with the Montessori Great Lessons.
At Habitat, Elementary education is centered around individualized instruction, tailored to meet each student’s academic needs while aligning with Indiana State Standards. Divided into Lower and Upper classes, children learn in multi-age environments, foster leadership, peer-teaching, and spontaneous group interaction all while learning to be successful and excel naturally in ways that are individually meaningful. Elementary guides act as both the catalyst and the nurturer, initiating activities and inspiring self-discovery. Work is presented in a motivating atmosphere, through hands-on, engaging materials in environments that foster peace, tolerance for others, and independence. In addition, outdoor classroom instruction specifically develops positive relationships with the environment, others, and ourselves through interaction with the natural world.
Elementary students enjoy part of their day outside in some capacity, including lunch or snack outside as weather permits, and have art, music, Spanish, and chess specials.
TOUR Our Elementary
CLASSROOM VIRTUALLY
A Day In The Life.
It’s a bright, new day, every day in our elementary rooms. Students are greeted as they enter at 8:30 AM. Morning work time includes spelling, daily math, and silent reading. Following, are lessons and then weekly planned work time. Together, these make up the morning work cycle for our elementary teams. Lunch and recess are from 11:45 AM–1:00 PM, offering ample outdoor time and movement opportunity. Children will resume the afternoon work cycle, beginning first with read aloud before moving to specials. A Children’s Habitat offers our elementary students music, Spanish, yoga, library, and chess. Weekly planned work and afternoon lessons close out the work cycle and the day ends with a brief recess before dismissal at 3 PM. At any given time, planned work time or full morning or afternoon work cycles can take place in our outdoor classroom and students should plan accordingly for the weather each day.
Meet the Teachers
Elizabeth “Liz” Williams
DIRECTOR OF ACADEMICS
LOWER ELEMENTARY LEAD
As a 2016 Lilly Endowment Teacher Creativity Fellowship recipient, Liz received her teaching degree from Ball State and taught public school—grades 4 and 6. Following a move to Florida, Liz was hired on staff at a new magnet school using the Montessori method. Elizabeth received her Lower Elementary training in Boston and later returned to Indiana to begin a Montessori elementary program in Westfield. She later launched her own Montessori Elementary School while continuing her training for Upper Elementary from Xavier and, after six years, joined with Habitat in 2013.
Liz is excited to combine her love as a Montessori guide with her years of educational experience in this new leadership role to share energy and inspiration with our incredible and dedicated teaching staff.
Ainsley Williams
LOWER ELEMENTARY ASSISTANT
Ainsley Williams is joining the ACH staff as an Assistant in our Lower Elementary program. Ainsley’s Montessori roots run deep—she was a Montessori student herself from first through fifth grade, an experience that continues to shape her love of hands-on learning and respect for child independence. She will graduate from Purdue University in August with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and a minor in Sociology, bringing both academic preparation and practical experience to her role.
Ainsley is no stranger to our community. She has worked in Habitat’s summer camp program for seven years and has served as a substitute at ACH for the past five years. Her familiarity with our students, staff, and Montessori philosophy makes her a wonderful fit as she helps support the Lower Elementary classroom for the remainder of the school year.
Outside of school, Ainsley enjoys spending time with friends, crafting, and doting on her beloved
cat, Lady Bird. We are grateful to welcome her into this role and look forward to the warmth,
consistency, and enthusiasm she brings to our students each day.
Peyton Griggs
UPPER ELEMENTARY LEAD
Peyton is passionate about children’s developing minds and loves the evidence-based practices that are commonplace at A Children’s Habitat. She has degrees in Developmental Psychology and Criminology, and previously ran a licensed childcare program for the better part of a decade. Her three children (Emmett, Marshall, and Anna) are also part of the ACH community. As a family they enjoy hiking, playing board games, and rock climbing. In the quiet moments you’ll find Peyton crocheting, reading a good book, or snacking on some dark chocolate.