Why Montessori

Montessori is an approach to education with the fundamental belief that a child learns best within a social environment which supports and respects each individual’s unique development.

Children from a variety of cultures and backgrounds all over the world have benefited from a Montessori education. Your child will as well. Academic readiness is not the issue. Whether the child can count, identify colors, or use scissors properly is not the focus. The Montessori teacher is interested in the child’s developmental readiness to respond to the sensory stimulation of the Montessori environment.

In the Montessori environment, your child will feel connected to a caring community in which their individual developmental needs are satisfied by the manipulative materials. Here they can learn at their own pace, free from the time pressures of our fast-paced society. Here they will gain independence, self-esteem and respect for others.

In a Montessori-prepared environment, children are mixed in ages. Mixing ages enables the older, more socially-advanced and capable children to become role models for the younger ones. A feeling of community develops as younger children are aided by older ones and as older children learn patience, nurturance and an appreciation for other perspectives through their experiences with younger children. In a mixed-age classroom, children can choose friendships based on common interests, not just age.

To become independent, children must develop motor coordination and control. The freedom of movement found in the Montessori early childhood environment allows children the opportunity to learn to control their bodies in a defined space.

The materials in the Montessori environment are designed to isolate one concept at a time in a very concrete manner. Children work with materials that are self-correcting, thus allowing for auto-education. “Errors” are viewed as a necessary and helpful part of the learning process. The Montessori materials provide a bridge from the known to the unknown, allowing children to evolve gradually from concrete, experience-based learning toward increasingly abstract thought.

Children who have been educated using the Montessori Method grow into competent learners who know how to learn and love learning. The solid foundation begun early in life creates self-confident, contributing adults.