Why Montessori?

• The Montessori philosophy uses a "whole child" approach to education
• Materials and method stress the development of all of the senses
• The "prepared environment" has a series of sequential manipulatives that bridge the gap between concrete and abstract learning
• The Montessori school teacher uses her skills of observation to understand each child's learning style and development to individualize the curriculum
• The practical life and sensorial materials and exercises help develop coordination and the refinement of gross and fine motor skills Self correcting materials that allow the child to develop problem solving skills

Montessori school education was introduced to America in the early part of the 20th century and has been recognized as a leader in the field of preschool education. Maria Montessori was able to develop a system of learning that recognized the development of the whole child. This development is exclusive to each child, thus learning is done at an individual level. The goal of Montessori school is to help the child maintain their natural joy of learning. Each child can then assist his/her community with those acquired and refined skills-making interaction appropriate and fulfilling.

The Montessori method encourages independence and freedom with limits and responsibility. The youngest children are guided in preschool on practical life skills, e.g., domestic skills and manners. These skills are emphasized with the goal of increasing attention spans, hand-eye coordination, and tenacity. The Montessori Method states that satisfaction, contentment, and joy result from the child feeling like a full participant in daily activities. Montessori school education carried through the elementary and high school years follows the child's emerging tendency for peer-oriented interactions and still emphasizes that each student is the guardian of his or her own intellectual development.