Our Philosophy
The Montessori Method
Dr. Maria Montessori was one of Italy’s first female doctors and an educator. She created a system of manipulative and sensorial materials based on her observations of children and their responses to the environment.
The Montessori Method of education is structured around five fundamental areas of study: Practical Life, Mathematics, Language, Sensorial, and Cultural (Zoology, Botany, History, and Geography). In classrooms, children are encouraged to explore these areas at their own pace, facilitated by hands-on Montessori materials designed to be self-correcting, enabling independent exploration and fostering concrete learning experiences.
Dr. Montessori believed in the innate curiosity and self-directed learning potential of children. The Montessori philosophy provides the foundation for children’s natural inner discipline and control. A feeling of caring and respect for others (as well as respect for one’s self) is fostered in the Montessori classroom.
"The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn."
Maria Montessori
Infancy and Montessori
Our Infant Program is designed to provide your child with a nurturing, stimulating and developmentally appropriate environment for them to explore. Infants have an unconscious absorbent mind. They absorb the world around them without conscious effort. To facilitate this crucial stage of development, we maintain an environment carefully prepared to promote exploration.
Montessori in Toddlerhood
Our Toddler Program classifies a toddler as children between 24 months and 36 months. At this stage, children actively engage their five senses as tools to explore and comprehend the world around them. They absorb language from the surroundings, learn social skills through interactions with both peers and teachers, and at the same time, develop autonomy and confidence as they gain mastery over motor control and coordination.
A Montessori Preschool
Our Preschool Program is designed for children of ages 3 years to 6 years old. The curriculum is specifically designed to meet the needs of the children at this stage. Children learn knowledge and practical life skills through exploration and hands-on activities. As curiosity develops in children, our environment provides them with the opportunity to choose materials and activities that correspond to their interests.
Montessori for School-Aged Children
Grade levels one through five are taught using both conventional and Montessori methods of child education and development. Daily activities include instruction in English (Reading and Writing), Math, and Cultural (this encompasses Botany, Zoology, and Geography). The program also includes Computers, Physical Education (P.E.), Science, and Spanish.
"It is true that we cannot make a genius. We can only give to each child the chance to fulfill his potential possibilities."
Maria Montessori
A Different Approach to Lesson Planning
Montessori is an enriching program that puts its focus on developing each child at their own pace. The materials, presentations and activities covered in each department are what you can expect your child's teaching team to be introducing and then helping your child master throughout the year. Although teachers create monthly lesson plans that focus on a specific presentation each day, it is important to keep in mind that these daily plans are exactly that. Plans. As is to be expected when working with children, plans are something that can and will shift and change depending on each individual child and the needs of the class as a whole. Our teachers' lesson plans are shared with parents in the form of what is known as a "Scope & Sequence". We hope this helps you, the parent, understand what will be introduced to your child each month.
The scope and sequence found in each department outlines what should be introduced to your child each month and separated by the different curriculum areas explored in the classroom environment. They are listed on each program page as a PDF document that you can save and print. We have also included a link to each one below. In addition, you can find a laminated copy of your child's program Scope & Sequence posted in the classroom on the parent bulletin board. It is also available in both the office and with your child's program directors to review when in need of further clarification.