At its core, Montessori is a profoundly respectful method of education, focused on supporting the optimal development of each child. Dr. Maria Montessori discovered that young children learn best through physical activity when given the freedom to discover, explore and create in an enriched environment.
The Montessori curriculum incorporates a great variety of activities that allow the children to to pursue individual interests and to find fulfillment in their daily work and play. Children have the freedom to choose activities, provided they uphold simple guidelines respecting the needs of others. These guidelines assist the children in creating a peaceful and happy social group.
Above all, Montessori is a philosophy of appreciation and respect for each child and of honoring the child’s work of self-construction. The role of the Montessori adult is to cultivate this attitude in ourselves and to apply it to the best of our ability. We guide the children in learning to relate to each other peacefully and cooperatively and in finding constructive, acceptable and respectful ways of expressing all types of feelings. Using the Montessori curriculum as our guide, we offer learning experiences that match the developmental needs of each child at his or her own pace.
For in depth information on Montessori education, please follow the links below to our partner organizations.
Montessori Institute Northwest
Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)
Recommended Reading
By Maria Montessori
The Child in the Family
What You Should Know About Your Child
Education and Peace
The Secret of Childhood
The Absorbent Mind (particularly for ages 0-6)
By Mario Montessori Jr.
Education for Human Development: Understanding Montessori
By Paula Polk Lillard
Montessori From The Start
Montessori: A Modern Approach
Montessori Today
By Angeline Stoll Lillard
Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius
New Farm Montessori 