FAQ’s

Why would I send my child to a Montessori school?

Because it is simply the best educational system on the planet!  Repeated worldwide research over the last 100 years has validated the effectiveness of this solid educational foundation.

Where did Montessori Education come from?

Dr. Maria Montessori, a physician and scientist in Italy, impacted the worldwide educational community over 100 years ago with her research and work with children.  She discovered methodologies that succeed because they draw from principles of the natural development of the child’s mind while adapting to the needs of the individual child regardless of level, ability, learning style, or social maturity.

The Montessori approach to education is now more prevalent than ever before and continues to be respected and practiced worldwide.

How is a Montessori class structured?

A Montessori class is comprised of a group of children with an age span covering several years.  There is a wide range of activities available to the children at all age and maturity levels, which reinforce and make possible the Montessori ideas of individualized work and progress as well as independence.  The combinations of different ages allows the children the opportunity to learn from each other and permits the older children to reinforce their knowledge by sharing their skills with the younger or less advanced children.  Since Montessori believes that children learn best through their own efforts and discoveries, the role of the Montessori teacher is that of an “objective observer.”  The teacher does not serve as the single source of information in the classroom; she acts in a supportive position by preparing the classroom, observing the children, and providing them with new materials as they indicate their need and readiness.  She gives lessons on how to use the materials, and then steps into the background, allowing the children to assume more and more responsibility.

What is the Montessori concept of discipline?

The Montessori discipline is an “inner discipline” – control which the child develops over his own behavior through his interest in the Montessori materials.  Dr. Montessori noted that many so-called “undisciplined” children were really frustrated by lack of proper stimulation, and would become happier and self-controlled after a period of time in a Montessori class.  When a child’s intellectual energies are utilized in a constructive manner, there is no energy left over fro mischievousness, or deviation.  This is true “inner discipline.”

Why is the primary a three year program?

Every activity in the Montessori classroom has a very distinct purpose, and often provides indirect preparations for later lessons.  The materials designed for four and five year old children build on the work they have already been doing in the classroom from the time they were two or three.  If a child enters the program late or leaves early, he or she is not receiving the full benefits designed to be gained from the Montessori primary experience.