Our Philosophy

WHAT IS MONTESSORI?

Dr. Maria Montessori believed that education begins at birth and that the first years, being the most formative, are the most important. This system of education is both a philosophy of child growth and a rationale for guiding such growth. It is based on the child's developmental needs for freedom within limits, and a carefully prepared environment. The child develops by means of experiences in his environment. These experiences are called "work". The child has a deep love and need for purposeful work. He works, however, not as an adult for profit and completion of a job, but for sake of the activity itself. Many activities are offered which differ from those in traditional nursery schools. Exploration of ideas is encouraged from a concrete level to abstraction in an orderly way. A rich curriculum is provided with experiences in art, music, mathematics, science, language and practical life. Learning is individualized and the impulse for learning is the self-motivation that exists within each child.

WHO IS MARIA MONTESSORI?

Maria Montessori, the first woman M.D. in Italy, was one of the great pioneers in the study of child development. Using her scientific background, she began observing children in Rome. Based on her unbiased observations she developed unique materials, a child-centered environment, and was one of the first persons to revolutionize educational thought by stressing respect for the child, freedom of expression, self-education, and training through use of movement and the senses.

WHY FIVE DAYS A WEEK?

The Montessori classroom experience is for five consecutive days in order to allow the spontaneous learning of the child to flow smoothly. A child taken in and out of school every other day does not have the same opportunity to pursue his unfolding interests.

WITH ALL THE FREEDOM, IS THERE STILL ORDER?

The concept of freedom in the classroom is a freedom within limits. A child is allowed to work freely so long as he does not disturb others. Actually, children having freedom to follow their interests are happily and busily involved in their work.

WHAT ABOUT SOCIALIZATION AND GROUP WORK?

Socialization is very much a part of the Montessori method. In the classroom you'll notice children interacting continuously, choosing to work on projects together, and older children helping younger ones. Each day there is group time and time to play outside.