Frequently Asked Questions

Montessori education utilizes a “whole child” approach to instruction. Over 100 years ago its founder, Maria Montessori, a brilliant educator and scientist, wanted to prove that children could learn best in an environment of hand-on immersion experiences. She felt that tactile exploratory learning opportunities would form a strong foundation for later abstract learning (such as math facts, reading, science exploration, etc.). She theorized that teachers should instead become “directors” and actually “quietly follow the child” in order to discern their interests, strengths and weaknesses. By doing so, a teacher would then know how best to reach their students through appropriate individualized learning experiences that would stimulate true growth and learning.What happened with her “experiment” was something truly extraordinary. She not only realized that her theories were correct, but she also found that this individualized learning was extremely successful with all types of students, regardless of age, learning style or socioeconomic background. Thus was born “Montessori education,” which today has grown to be an international method of teaching used in classrooms around the globe.

This individualized curriculum, provided by specially trained Montessori teachers, is directed at developing students’ self-confidence and self-discovery. Students, with the help of their teachers, become active participants in their learning experience. Early on, children are surrounded by inviting Montessori materials, which help them to build a solid educational foundation. Students then seamlessly progress to more complex learning ideas. All of this is provided in a multi-age setting, which allows for students to be mentored and become mentors, and gives students a chance to work at a pace comfortable to their needs without stigma.