The Montessori Approach

Maria Montessori was clearly ahead of her time, and her core principles—that effective learning is self-directed and calls for the development of the whole person—uniquely prepares your child for our fast-changing world.

Montessori education helps your child maximize his potential in an environment that is purposefully designed to meet his unique developmental needs with caring, culturally-responsive teachers, known as guides, who are specifically trained to observe and put him in touch with exactly what he needs to learn and grow.

Fosters Independence

In Montessori schools, children’s independence is highly valued. We know that natural growth development is tied to achieving successive levels of independence. Montessori classrooms for infants up through the Primary ages (3-6 years) are designed to expose children to various opportunities to specifically develop functional independence.  Children learn meaningful, practical work to care for themselves and their environment such as sweeping, dusting, cleaning and preparing food, and dressing themselves, independently, at school and at home. They also learn to speak and express themselves in various ways (including writing at a young age), which is another sign of independence.  Fostering an environment of independence gives children a tremendous sense of empowerment.

Follows the Child

As Montessori educators, we are trained to “follow the child” primarily through observation, which is the cornerstone of the Montessori method. In Italian, the word “observation” means “witnessing.” A good “witness” or guide relies upon their Montessori training on the developmental stages of children to create an educational environment that honors where children are in their growth and gently guides them in a way that meets their needs. A good “witness” also provides ample opportunities for children to deeply study areas of personal interest. With an understanding that learning is not linear, guides use skilled observation and information gathering, to target areas where children may need more challenge or support.

Balances Freedom & Discipline

The goal of the Montessori method is to create an environment that inspires internally self-disciplined children, not one that externally disciplines them as in most traditional schools. That is why freedom to choose, move, and communicate are important features in every Montessori classroom. Children are free to choose individual, partner or group work and gather in appropriate spaces in the classroom with the teacher observing or moving among them. Freedom, however, is not absolute; it must be within a structure of limits. Children who do not show enough self-discipline to meet community or academic expectations may find certain freedoms curtailed until they further develop their will and demonstrate more responsibility. Maintaining the delicate balance between freedom, limitation, and responsibility to the community builds discipline.

Uses Formative Assessment

Assessment is derived from a Latin word meaning “to sit beside.” In a Montessori classroom, that is exactly what we do. Teachers, also known as Guides, sit beside children while they work, gathering data as they go. What is known as the three-period lesson, a Montessori hallmark, is specifically designed to measure a child’s understanding and mastery of concepts and activities. Utilizing formative assessments each day allows teaching and learning to be adjusted in the moment, so each child gets exactly what he needs.

Provides Multi-Age Environment

Montessori schools have multi-age classrooms, generally encompassing a three-year age span. Older students often teach younger students, both through modeling, giving lessons, and assisting with work. In this way both sides benefit, academically and socially. For Primary children (3-6 years), there is more one-on-one focus with the teacher in keeping with the more solitary, ego-driven explorations that characterize this plane of development. By the time children move up to the Lower Elementary program (6–9 years), the group instinct emerges and classroom activities actively encourage cooperative work.

Values Kindness and Peace

Our students are global citizens. World geography is taught beginning at a young age and children learn about traditions from a wide range of cultures. We take the time to teach skills like conflict resolution, and are able to help children work through social dynamics as they arise. We believe that peace and kindness are the base of any quality education, and a foundation that is necessary for the progress of humanity.

Integrates Nature

In addition to the plants and animals that children help care for, our classrooms often have a museum-like quality to them. Depending on what the children are studying, one could find a variety of interesting specimens. Dissected owl pellets, ancient fossils, and sparkling geodes are just a few of the countless possibilities. Natural studies such as botany and zoology begin at the primary level. We also believe it is critical to bring our students out into nature whenever possible, giving them an opportunity to learn and enjoy it firsthand.

Inspires Work in Beautiful Classrooms

Upon stepping into a Montessori classroom, one immediately sees the difference in our environments. We value natural materials and prefer natural lighting. Living things (both plants and animals) are present, as are low shelves that allow children to easily access their work. There are areas for children to work in a group or alone, and on the floor or in a chair. Materials are of high quality, inspiring the children who use them to make their work beautiful.