Montessori represents an entirely different approach to education.
See Tuition & EnrollThe Montessori Method
The Montessori Method of teaching was developed by Maria Montessori in the late 18th century. She spent many hours observing children and taking note of how they learn. She devised materials that would encourage children to engage with and learn the skills they need to be successful in life.
Her method discourages traditional competitive measurements of achievement, such as grades, tests, and incentive charts, instead focusing on the individual progress and development of each child. Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading.
Teaching children to teach themselves is integral to the Montessori method, which encourages innovative thinking, independent decision making, and curiosity-driven learning. Children in Montessori classes learn at their own individual pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities.
Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning.
Montessori classes place children in three-year age groups (3-6, 6-9, 9-12, and so on), forming communities in which the older children spontaneously share their knowledge with the younger ones.
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-12
In the classroom
Five areas of the Montessori classroom, each one hands-on.
Children are bombarded from birth with sensory information. The sensorial area was developed by Dr. Montessori for the purpose of categorizing sensorial experiences. The materials in the classroom allow the child to categorize numerous sensations.
It is the responsibility of the Montessori teacher to teach children practical skills for the purpose of success in life. At school, young children learn the practical exercises of:
When lessons are presented well, and in a very concrete hands-on way, a pre-primary child is able to:
The language curriculum is set in a literacy-rich environment where children are engaged and guided through sequential hands-on materials that lead them almost effortlessly into reading and writing. Each material is designed for self-correction and allows them to move at their own pace.
The cultural area is broken into seven subject areas. Each entices the student's natural curiosity about the world around them and allows them to explore concepts in a concrete way. Each continuing year the student builds on these ideas, enriching their understanding of the world and their place in it.
The best way to understand Montessori is to watch it happen. Reach out to Margaret to schedule a visit or ask a question.