The Montessori Approach
Montessori education is simply a way of being with children that allows each child to fully develop into the person he or she was meant to be.
Clearly ahead of her time, Maria Montessori's principles of self-directed learning and the development of the whole child uniquely prepare your child for a rapidly changing world.
As part of Montessori education, your child will be given a learning environment specifically designed to meet her developmental needs and adults who are trained to observe her and provide her with exactly what she needs at that particular moment to learn in order to maximize her potential.
Foster independence
Montessori schools emphasize independence for infants, toddlers, and young children. We encourage freedom of movement, choices within carefully crafted limits, and make sure they feel heard. As children get older, they begin to learn about time management. The emphasis on independence in the classroom, home, and beyond gives children a tremendous sense of empowerment. We teach them practical life skills, like cleaning and preparing food, that can be used in the classroom, home, and beyond.
Follow the child
The first step is to train teachers in the developmental stages of the children they work with. By recognizing where children are at in their development, we can create an environment that is ideal for them. As we all know, learning isn't linear, and each child will require a different level of support and challenges throughout their time at our school. Furthermore, Montessori students have plenty of opportunities to study areas of personal interest in depth.
Use formative assessment
Assessment is rooted in its Latin meaning of sitting beside. This is exactly what Montessori teachers do, as they observe students and take notes while the students work. The three period lesson, a signature Montessori tool, assesses comprehension and mastery during instruction. Through formative assessments done daily, teachers can tailor their teaching to each child's needs, ensuring everyone receives what they need.
Value kindness and peace
Throughout our school, students are taught world geography from an early age, and they are taught traditions from different cultures as well. In addition to teaching conflict resolution skills, we are able to help children resolve social dynamics as they arise. Peace and kindness are the cornerstone of any quality education, and they are a foundation for humanity's progress as a whole.
Integrate nature
Our classrooms often have a museum-like atmosphere due to the plants and animals that children help take care of. Depending on the topic of study, one may find an array of fascinating specimens – from dissected owl pellets to ancient fossils and shimmering geodes. Beginning at the primary level, we incorporate natural studies such as botany and zoology in our curriculum. We also strongly emphasize taking our students out into nature so they can experience it first-hand while learning and having fun at the same time.
Inspire work in beautiful classrooms
In a Montessori classroom, one immediately notices the difference between natural materials and natural lighting. Living creatures (both plants and animals) are present, along with low shelves that allow children to easily access their work. The materials are of high quality, inspiring the children to make beautiful works with them, whether they are working in a group or alone, or on the floor or in a chair.
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