What is Montessori?

A Montessori classroom is a carefully prepared environment designed to facilitate the development of the child's independence and sense of personal empowerment. They move freely within the classroom selecting work that captures their interest, rather than participating in all day lessons and projects selected by teachers. Montessori programs are often described as an "education for life." They teach more than just academic skills. They promote curiosity, creativity, and intelligence. Montessori schools give children a sense of belonging to a family and help them to learn how to live with other human beings. Dr. Maria Montessori, the founder, believed that we could ensure world peace by healing wounds of the heart and by producing a child who is independent, at peace with himself and secure.

 

The basis of the Montessori Method of instruction is a combination of the prepared environment with specially selected materials, and a teaching style that emphasizes observation and guidance rather than direct teaching and providing answers.

We teach three simple rules; they govern all that we teach, expect, and encourage in our students. They are:

• Care for yourself.
• Care for each other.
• Care for this place.

Classroom Structure

In Montessori classrooms, the design facilitates independent learning and exploration. Typically, Montessori classrooms are bright, warm, and inviting: filled with plants, animals, art, music, and books. Students are found scattered around the classroom, working alone or with one or two others. They tend to become so involved in their work that visitors are immediately struck by the peaceful atmosphere. Students of different ages often work together on projects.

Multi-aged classrooms are essential to a Montessori education. There are three levels:

• Children's House (4 & 5 year olds)
• Lower Elementary (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
• Upper Elementary (4th, 5th)

This environment facilitates the important teaching opportunity of peer support, allows a student to be known by the same teacher for several years, and enables students to learn at their own pace.

All the classrooms are taught by Washington State Certificated teachers who are also trained Montessorians. All the Children's House and Lower Elementary classrooms have a full time Para-educator to help facilitate the one-on-one attention that students need in a Montessori classroom to learn at their own pace.