Specials and Clubs
Nurturing creativity, movement, and global connection.
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Art
“Imagination does not become great until human beings, given the courage and the strength, use it to create.” – Dr. Maria Montessori
Children’s House
Kindergarten students meet weekly for art, exploring the first Elements of Art — Line, Shape, Color, and Texture. Lessons combine creativity with Montessori principles, helping children develop fine motor skills, self-expression, and an appreciation for beauty.
Elementary & Middle School
Our Visual Arts Program follows both NC State and National Standards while remaining rooted in Montessori’s emphasis on hands-on discovery. Students explore 2D and 3D media such as painting, printmaking, charcoal, clay, collage, and found objects. Lessons include art history, world cultures, and creative problem-solving.
Student artwork is proudly displayed across campus and digitally showcased throughout the year.
Music
“Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.” – Pablo Casals
Music at Sterling engages every child in rhythm, melody, and creative expression. Students develop musical literacy, ensemble skills, and a love for performance.
Children’s House & Elementary
Students attend weekly music classes focused on rhythm, singing, movement, and listening skills. Upper Elementary students expand into recorder and ukulele study, composition, and global music appreciation.
Performing Arts & Middle School
Older students may join choral or instrumental ensembles:
- Upper Elementary Chorus – Grades 4–6, weekly rehearsals and on-campus performances.
- Beginning Band – After-school program for Grades 4–6; instrumental instruction and two annual concerts.
- Sterling Band – Grades 5–8 ensemble performing locally and in regional festivals.
- Sterling Stars Show Choir – Middle School auditioned group performing throughout the community.
These opportunities nurture teamwork, confidence, and artistic discipline.
Physical Education
“Movement is an essential factor in intellectual growth” – Dr. Maria Montessori
Physical education at Sterling emphasizes movement, teamwork, and joyful activity at every level.
Students learn sportsmanship, cooperation, and confidence through developmentally appropriate games and challenges.
- Children’s House: Foundational movement and coordination skills through playful, structured activities.
- Elementary: Strengthening motor skills, teamwork, and sports fundamentals.
- Middle School: Choice-driven program with team sports, fitness, and student-led classes that encourage leadership and self-direction.
PE fosters lifelong habits of health, respect, and perseverance.
Spanish
“To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.” – Chinese Proverb
Beginning in Upper Elementary (Grades 4–5), students study Spanish using the ¡Viva el Español! program through engaging, hands-on lessons.
In Middle School, students may begin a three-year Spanish I sequence culminating in high school credit.
The program focuses on:
- Listening, speaking, reading, and writing in real contexts
- Cultural understanding and appreciation
- Developing confidence as global communicators
Clubs & Programs
Sterling’s after-school and extracurricular offerings give students additional ways to pursue interests and express creativity.
Music Department Offerings
- Sterling Stars (MS): Middle School show choir performing on campus and in the community.
- Upper Elementary Chorus: Grades 4–6 performance group with seasonal concerts.
- Beginning Band: Grades 4–6; foundational instrumental program meeting twice weekly.
- Sterling Band: Grades 5–8; advanced ensemble performing locally and at festivals such as Carowinds.