Follow the child

Each child is valued as a unique individual.

 
 

Montessori education recognizes that children learn in different ways, and accommodates all learning styles. Students are also free to learn at their own pace, each advancing through the curriculum as he is ready, guided by the teacher and an individualized learning plan.

 
 
 

The Montessori Method

It is a view of the child as one who is naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment. It is an approach that values the human spirit and the development of the whole child—physical, social, emotional, cognitive.

A Montessori parent's perspective (whiteboard video animation)

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Montessori students develop critical life skills such as order, coordination, concentration and independence.

 
 

Classroom design, materials, and daily routines support the individual’s emerging “self-regulation” (ability to educate one’s self, and to think about what one is learning), toddlers through adolescents.

 
 
 
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Students are part of a close caring community.

 
 

The multi-age classroom—typically spanning 3 years—recreates a family structure. Older students enjoy stature as mentors and role models; younger children feel supported and gain confidence about the challenges ahead. Teachers model respect, loving kindness, and a belief in peaceful conflict resolution.

 
 

A supportive learning triangle

By knowing each student’s interests, academic level, and learning the teacher provides a link between the child and the prepared environment, introducing the child to each piece of equipment when he or she is ready in a precise, clear and enticing way.

Toddler AMI (video exposition)
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Montessori students enjoy freedom within limits.

 
 

Working within parameters set by their teachers, students are active participants in deciding what their focus of learning will be. Montessorians understand that internal satisfaction drives the child’s curiosity and interest and results in joyous learning that is sustainable over a lifetime.

 
 
 
 
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Students are supported in becoming active seekers of knowledge.

 
 

Teachers provide environments where students have the freedom and the tools to pursue answers to their own questions.

 
 

Over 100 years of success

Given the freedom and support to question, to probe deeply, a nd to make connections, Montessori students become confident, enthusiastic, self-directed learners. They are able to think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly—a skill set for the 21st century.

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The Montessori classroom approach includes
self-correction and self-assessment.

 
 

As they mature, students learn to look critically at their work, and become adept at recognizing, correcting, and learning from their errors.

 
 
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