What is Montessori?
Montessori education is a child-centered approach to learning that nurtures the whole child – academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Rooted in careful observation of how children grow and learn, Montessori supports each child’s natural curiosity and desire to understand the world. At our school, Montessori is not just a method of teaching, it is a way of seeing and respecting the child.
As a community steeped in Montessori philosophy we believe…
- The child is urged from within by basic human tendencies, develops along the Four Planes of Development, and is guided by Sensitive Periods.
- The best environment for learning encourages freedom within limits, is rich with developmental materials for the acquisition of culture, and encourages spontaneous activity.
- Multi-age environments encourage community, connect to the family, and enable children to assume their role in society. Equally important is the opportunity for each child to work at an individual pace.
- The teacher’s role is to scientifically observe the child and act as the dynamic link between the child and the prepared environment.
- The work of an educator is a vocation of love and service to all of humanity, through the child.
- Assessment takes on many forms in the environment and must be integrated, authentic, sensitive, and age-appropriate.
- Parents play a vital role in the education of their children and are their children’s first and primary teacher and catechist.
A Brief History of Montessori
Montessori education was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, Italy’s first female physician. Through her medical and educational work in the early 1900s, she observed that children learn best through hands-on experiences in a supportive environment.
In 1906, she opened the first Casa dei Bambini (Children’s House) in Rome. There, she discovered children’s remarkable ability to concentrate, explore independently, and absorb knowledge when given the right tools and freedom. Her observations became the foundation of the Montessori method, now practiced worldwide for more than 100 years.
Today, thousands of Montessori schools serve children across the globe, including both private and public schools in the United States.
What You’ll See in a Montessori Classroom
Step into a Montessori classroom and you’ll notice something special right away.
Children are:
- Calm, confident, and engaged
- Free to move and choose meaningful work
- Respectful of one another and their environment
- Capable of working independently and collaboratively
Learning happens without pressure or stress. Children master academic skills deeply and joyfully—often earlier than expected—while also developing independence, responsibility, and a love of learning.
While standardized test scores show strong academic outcomes, they don’t capture the full picture. Montessori students don’t just learn facts; they learn how to learn.
Multi-Age, Child-Centered Communities
Montessori classrooms are organized by developmental stages rather than single-grade levels:
Preprimary
Ages: 3-6
Grades: preK – K
Lower Elementary
Ages: 6-9
Grades: 1st – 3rd
Upper Elementary
Ages: 9-12
Grades: 4th- 6th
Adolescent Program
Ages: 12-14
Grades: 7th – 8th
Children typically remain with the same teacher for multiple years, building strong relationships and continuity. Younger children learn by observing older peers, while older students reinforce their knowledge by mentoring others.
Each classroom becomes a respectful, supportive community where every child belongs and contributes.
An Invitation to Experience Montessori
Montessori education is best understood by seeing it in action. A short classroom observation reveals what words cannot fully explain: focused children, meaningful work, and a joyful learning environment.
We invite you to come and see how Montessori education supports children in becoming confident learners, compassionate community members, and thoughtful individuals.