The Montessori Method is an educational method for children, based on theories of child development Italian educator originated by Maria Montessori in the late 19th and early 20th century. It is applied primarily in preschool and elementary school settings, though some Montessori high schools exist.

The method is characterized by an emphasis on self-directed activity on the part of the child and clinical observation on the part of the teacher (often called a "director", "directress", or "guide"). It stresses the importance of adapting the child's learning environment to his or her developmental level, and of the role of physical activity in absorbing academic concepts and practical skills. It is also characterized by the use of autodidactic (self-correcting) equipment to introduce various concepts.

Introduction to the methodology in practice

With the opening of her first school in 1907 in Rome, the term Montessori became associated with schools that use Dr. Montessori’s educational approach to children as well as her precise educational materials tailored for children’s developmental needs. A number of schools around the world implement her approach to education for a wide range of ages. “From the moment the child enters the classroom, each step in his education is seen as a progressive building block, ultimately forming the whole person, in the emergence from childhood to adult. All focus is on the needs of the child.” One distinguishing feature of Montessori at the preschool age is that children direct their own learning, choosing among the sections of a well-structured and stocked classroom including Practical Life (fine and gross motor skill development), Sensorial (sensory and brain development), Language, Math, Geography, Science and Art. The role of a teacher is to introduce children to materials and then remain a “silent presence” in the classroom.

The goal of both Montessori and traditional kindergartens is the same: to provide learning experiences for the child. The biggest differences lie in the kind of learning experiences each school provides and the methods they use to accomplish this goal.
Montessori educators believe both differences are important because they help shape what a child learns, their work habits, and their future attitudes toward themselves.

We offer several programs to fit your family needs:

Full Time Program
6:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Part Time (2 options)
Option 1 (5 Days) - 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Option 2 (3 Days) - 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM

After School
5 Days - 3:30PM- 6:00PM

The Academy School year is from August through May with the Summer program during June and July.

Classrooms

Infants 6 Weeks thru 1 Year
Warm and loving care is essential for your infant's healthy development. Our caring and responsive staff will utilize soft toys, colorful books and music to enrich your baby's environment and to stimulate their natural curiosity.

Toddlers 12 to 18 Months
Beginning to think and reason through their actions, learn problem-solving skills and understand language, toddlers thrive on new experience. Providing a safe, nurturing learning environment allows each child to develop naturally, as an individual. We offer daily progress reports to inform you on care routines like eating, napping and diapering as well as the development of your child.
Schedule

Twos 18 months to 3 years
By providing a colorful, enriching environment offering a wide variety of educational toys and materials, we help to spark and develop your two year olds natural desire to explore and learn about the world around them. Surrounded by a safe environment filled with self-directed activities, your child will learn the independence skills that are necessary to prepare for the transition into preschool. To help expand your child's language skill and thought expression, we use activities such as reading books aloud, nursery rhymes and song to teach your child while allowing them to have fun.

Three's
Children in this room are in an explosive period of sensory and perceptual development. They are rapidly moving towards independence through flowering of speech, control of body functions, coordination, dressing, eating, and playing. The development of their intellect is evident through imaginative play; to complement this, they are allowed freedom to explore their prepared environment. During this era of development, they will learn to sit on chairs, use the toilet independently, and begin socializing with other children and adults as their more developed personality allows. Concentration on fine motor skills will be encouraged through the use of certain basic sensorial Montessori materials. In preparation for the primary Montessori classroom, these children will learn to follow simple directions and will be schooled in grace and courtesies necessary for social interaction at the next level.

Primary Program 4 to 6 years
Since this is a peak period for social, emotional, and academic growth, your child will work in the hands-on areas of practical life skills, sensorial development, mathematical concepts, language, science, geography and handwriting. Each area has materials ranging in complexity from beginning to advanced skills, so that each student may progress in these areas according to individual capabilities and maturity levels.

Each of our Primary classrooms is led by a Montessori certified teacher. In conjunction with the assistants the teachers work together to create a secure environment in which your child may grow. Monthly units, art, music and field trips are added to the Montessori curriculum at this level. Children begin working in the computer lab as well.

The teacher, keeping in mind the curriculum requirements, evaluates the needs of each child and helps guide him/her into appropriate learning activities. Through the curriculum, children also develop social graces, muscular coordination, concentration skills, self-discipline, self-confidence and independence.