Why Montessori?

Trained as Italy’s first female physician, Dr. Maria Montessori is best known for her creation of an educational system, introduced in 1907, that was a revolutionary approach to the way children were educated. Through her pioneering scientific work, she created a system that addresses the development of the whole child and is rooted in the belief that all children possess an intellectual and creative potential, a drive to learn and the ability to be self-directed. In carefully prepared classroom environments, children are grouped together in age spans of three years where they learn the important dual roles of following, then leading. A highly organized, yet individually flexible curriculum allows for the accommodation of varying academic capabilities. The Montessori classroom prepares its students for each successive developmental plane. The seeds planted in the lower levels come to full fruition in the upper levels. Most importantly, the Montessori environment prompts children, under the careful guidance of their teacher, to take initiative in their own education by making choices, developing self-respect and learning accountability to others.