Maria Montessori, M.D. believed that human beings are directed by their own inner drive for self-development. She believed that the goal of early childhood education should be to cultivate the child’s natural desire to learn and to aid in the unfolding of life.
In a Montessori environment, this objective is approached in two ways:
- Each child is encouraged to experience the curiosity and excitement of learning by choosing his or her own activity;
and - Once the activity has been chosen, the child is guided to perfect his or her natural tools for learning by using the Montessori materials which have been created to develop this process through self-correction. The result is a joyful, creative interaction with the prepared learning environment.
Maria Montessori observed that children pass through four six-year periods of development. She called these periods the four planes of development. Children in each plane have their own specific characteristics and needs. Montessori realized that these children need an adult trained to assist them in a special way, as well as, an environment suited to their specific needs.
Our program is conducted within all-day, year around Montessori environments. The Montessori environment is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. However, the majority of the curriculum is followed form 8: 30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This schedule has one set of rules and procedures during the time they spend away from home, eliminating confusion and stress. The outside environment is available several times during the day.
Learn about our Little Genius Montessori Philosophy.