December Events

Mission in Motion: Universal Design for Learning at Elizabeth Academy

A question we are frequently asked is:How does curriculum and instruction actually look in an inclusive Montessori setting?
It’s an important and complex question—because true inclusion is not just about placing students together. It is about designing learning so that every child can access rigorous, meaningful instruction. The answer begins with an essential framework we use across all programs: Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an evidence-based framework for curriculum design that plans for learner variability from the start. Instead of creating one version of a lesson and adapting it later, teachers design flexible pathways that allow students multiple ways to:

• Access information (representation)
• Engage with learning (engagement)
• Show what they know (expression)

This framework mirrors Montessori beautifully. Both approaches assume learner diversity, honor individualized pacing, and build independence through hands-on materials, visual supports, movement, repetition, and choice. In our inclusive environment, UDL is the backbone of how we plan schoolwide schedules, classroom workflows, lessons, units, and interventions.

A common misconception is that inclusion and UDL “teach to the middle” or lower expectations. In reality, UDL raises expectations through excellent planning, careful observation, and a deep understanding of each learner’s goals, strengths, and needs.

UDL does not dilute rigor.
UDL expands access to rigor.

In Montessori, this rigor is embedded in the materials themselves. For example, in Early Childhood, students explore the Stamp Game and the Bank Game—materials that teach place value and operations with regrouping, concepts typically introduced in the state standards two years later.

In an inclusive Montessori classroom, all students work with rich materials—just with different goals, levels, or supports.

The Stamp Game is a perfect example of how a single material can serve many learners through UDL.

The material includes small, color-coded tiles representing ones, tens, hundreds, and thousands. Depending on the student’s goals, the Stamp Game can support:

• Introductory place value
• Dynamic addition and subtraction
• Multiplication and division
• Following multi-step directions
• Visual discrimination
• Fine motor development (pincer grip)
• Executive functioning and sequencing

A neurotypical 4-year-old, a gifted learner, and a student with intellectual or developmental disabilities may all use the same material—each working at an appropriate, meaningful level. UDL and Montessori together, at their best include: shared materials, individualized pathways, consistent access to big ideas.

Because we design learning with UDL from the outset, our classrooms naturally support:

• Mixed-age groupings
• Inclusive peer communities
• Individualized learning plans
• High expectations for all
• Embedded therapeutic opportunities
• Meaningful participation for every learner

UDL is not something we “add on” to Montessori. It is the framework that ensures our Montessori model remains inclusive, rigorous, and developmentally supportive for children of all abilities.

This is how curriculum and instruction look in an inclusive setting—and how our mission of Enlightenment for Everyone is lived out each day through thoughtful design, purposeful materials, and responsive teaching. 

If you have other thoughts or questions about curriculum or instruction at Elizabeth Academy, please ask Sofia Rigolon, our Academics Director! She is always happy to engage in a conversation about curriculum, instruction, and inclusive Montessori practices.

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All current families are required to complete continuing enrollment for the 26/27 school year. Continuing enrollment will be sent out on January 7th and due January 30th. You will receive a link to complete this through FACTS.

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