PHILOSOPHY

The Montessori teaching method, as developed by Maria Montessori, is an approach to learning that recognizes the tremendous capacity and desire of very young children to discover and explore the environment that is their immediate world. By creating a rich and responsive environment in which the children can absorb, manipulate, work, and develop as individuals, the Montessori method concentrates on enlarging a child's experience and on making the obvious conversion of natural curiosity into learning patterns. Because the years between 3 and 6 years constitute a unique series of sensitive periods for learning, children attend the Montessori program from, Monday through Friday to maximize their exposure to the stimulating and enriching Montessori prepared environment. Classes are comprised of mixed age groups in order to provide models for imitation as well as opportunities to reinforce their knowledge by demonstrating to others.

Montessori education is not force-feeding of information and skills designed to produce a precocious child. The school environment is neither rigidly structured and disciplined, nor disorganized and undisciplined. It is a non-competitive environment which allows each child to focus on her/his own work. Many levels of ability can be accommodated in the classroom with true individualization, allowing for a match of pace and level consistent with each child's needs.