Our Philosophy

Dr. Maria Montessori was a medical doctor and pioneer educator who was born in Italy in 1870 and died in 1952. As her life's work, she developed a teaching philosophy that balances freedom with responsibility in the classroom and also sets high standards of intellectual and social development for children. The following represents some of the educational principles and philosophy developed by Dr. Montessori:

• Educational research indicates that children ages 3-6 are extremely
   capable of learning meaningful things, and that intellectual stimulation
   given at this age level helps to create the foundation for later academic
   success. A program of play alone does not help the young child to
   organize his or her mental processes, which is necessary for 
   academic learning. Therefore, the Montessori program is a learning
   program with a curriculum wherein the children enjoy the work/play
   environment created for them.

• The Montessori curriculum focuses on the development of the whole
   child, which includes their intellectual development. The goal of a
   good Montessori program is the integration of the child's personality
   and the organization of his/her thought processes. This provides the
   basis for later academic success, and is accomplished through direct
   experiences with meaningful activities and materials. "Develop interest
   rather than give facts," said Dr. Montessori.

• Young children have amazing mental concentration if given activities
   and material that fulfill their need to grow and discover themselves.
   Given the choice, children will prefer meaningful work to play. When
   a young child has a positive experience with the process, it influences
   him/her for the rest of their life.

• The Nursery through Kindergarten classroom should not be graded,
   permitting the children to learn according to their ability and not
   forcing them to keep up with "the group." No grades are given; the
   children's accomplishments are their rewards.

• Each child is allowed to experience the excitement of learning by
   his/her own choice, and he/she will maximize their potential to
   become an independent, secure, loving, and balanced human being.

• Children literally absorb knowledge from their environment; therefore,
   if this environment is enriched with special materials suited to their
   needs, children will learn easily and joyfully.

• Children can learn to read, write, and work with numbers in the same
   natural way that they learn to walk and talk.

• In order for the child’s ability to expand at the same rate as his interest
   and aptitude, it is best to start the experience at an early age. No child is
   happy without a sense of self-discipline, self-esteem, and order.