Montessori Philosophy

Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was the first woman in Italy to qualify as a physician. She specialized in pediatric medicine and subsequently became interested in children’s education. She developed her educational philosophy as a result of her direct observation of children.

Dr. Montessori observed that children have an innate desire to explore and learn about their world. The curriculum and teaching method she developed were designed to appeal to and nurture the child’s basic desire to learn.

Many parents are attracted to Montessori because of the amount children learn at an early age. After spending three years in the Primary environment, a child is typically reading, writing, adding and subtracting, and naming continents and countries on the globe. However, the more significant value of a Montessori education lies in the often-overlooked aspects of a child’s development that prepare them for full participation in our society.

At our school, Montessori means:

• Freedom with responsibility – In the Montessori classroom, children are allowed the freedom to choose their own work within the boundaries of the curriculum and the expectation of appropriate behavior towards others.
  
  
• Concrete to abstract – Dr. Montessori discovered that children develop academic skills best by starting with manipulative materials and, through their use, progressing to the abstract.
  
  
• Development of the Whole Child – Attention is given to academic, social, spiritual, and physical growth, with a focus on the development of inner discipline and self-confidence.
  
  
• Love of Learning – The Montessori environment serves to preserve and nurture the child’s innate joy and satisfaction in learning, in doing meaningful work and in exploring life.

We are committed to Montessori practices and principles as set forth by Dr. Montessori and the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), and are a fully recognized and accredited AMI Montessori School. Great Montessori "Parent FAQ" articles can be found here and here.

Further information about Montessori education can be found at the Association Montessori Internationale / USA website and www.mariamontessori.com.

Here is a great 5-minute video from Trevor Eisler, author of Montessori Madness! A Parent to Parent Argument for Montessori Education explaining the Montessori approach to education.

 

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