Montessori Program

Key Elements of the Montessori Method

• Individualized education. Teachers observe each student carefully to design lessons and activities that are appropriate for each child. 
• Mixed-age classrooms. In a Montessori classroom children of different ages are grouped together. This allows older children to serve as mentors and role models for younger children and provides opportunities for peer-to-peer learning.
• Hands-on learning. Children in Montessori classrooms are encouraged to explore and discover concepts for themselves through hands-on activities. This type of learning helps students retain information and develop a deeper understanding of concepts. 
• Freedom with limits. Children are given the opportunity to make choices about their own learning and are allowed to work at their own pace. However, they are provided with clear expectations on work completion and guidance from their teachers. 
• Prepared environment. Each Montessori classroom contains specialized materials and resources designed to meet the needs of each child. The prepared environment also includes the physical space of the classroom. Teachers carefully design the classroom to promote independence, order and concentration.

Montessori Learning Materials

The Montessori method features specialized learning materials designed to encourage independent hands-on learning, stimulate student’s minds, and inspire exploration. Many of the materials have special qualities that allow children to investigate more abstract concepts, such as shape and size.

For example, in Children’s House, math and literacy are sensorial learning experiences. In classrooms you will see mathematical thinking developed with the exploration of materials such as the “Pink Tower,” “Brown stairs,” and “Disks and Cylinders.” 

Language and literacy thinking is inspired through exploration of the “Movable Alphabet,” allowing children to express themselves before they write with pencil and paper. They learn sound/symbol correlation through work with the “Sandpaper Letters.”