Montessori Philosophy
What is the Montessori Method?
“It is not true,” says Dr. Montessori, “that I invented what is called the Montessori Method. I have studied the child, I have taken what the child has given me and expressed it, and that is what is called the Montessori Method.”
Maria Montessori was an Italian physician who observed that children are naturally curious, that they learn through sensory interaction with their environment, and that they thrive on responsibility and respect. The method she developed fosters the growth of the whole child—social, emotional, physical, and intellectual— by following their native joyfulness, wonder, and intellectual spark. The foundation of the philosophy centers on hands-on, self-directed learning in a mixed-age classroom.
In a Montessori environment, the children move around freely and choose their own hands-on work. Beautiful academic materials line the shelves at a height appropriate for child exploration. Teachers show the students how to use each material so that the children can learn concepts through their own manipulation of the objects, through repetition, and at their own pace.
Self-direction is empowering. Students practice making choices, governing themselves, and learning inner discipline through natural and logical consequences, rather than learning a system of authority and obedience. Teachers offer guidance, set limits, and role model for students. “Grace and Courtesy” is an aspect of the curriculum that teaches how to engage socially in respectful and caring ways.
The mixed-age classroom mimics real life. Older children are role models for the younger ones, and the older children experience the gift of graciously shepherding the younger ones along. Students experience all of the small rites of passage that come with spending multiple years in the same classroom, taking on new roles and responsibilities over time, and developing meaningful relationships with their teachers.
Children are highly motivated to learn, to understand themselves and the world around them and to master the skills required in all areas of life. The Montessori Schoolhouse provides a comprehensive program for the development of intellectual, social and physical skills.
The mission of The Montessori Schoolhouse is to provide an authentic, self-paced Montessori program of instruction, to instill self-confidence and independence, to promote concentration and a love of learning and to build a strong academic foundation in each child.