An Educational Method
Dedicated to Educating Children
Montessori is not a brand or franchise of preschool or daycare; it’s an educational method. Montessori institutions are dedicated to educating children in a proven, effective practice. Maria Montessori developed the technique, and it continues to be used and improved upon to this day.
Who is Maria Montessori, M.D.?
Maria Montessori, born in 1870, was one of the first women in Italy to receive a medical degree. She worked in the fields of psychiatry, education, and anthropology.
After taking courses in pedagogy, she became interested in education, particularly in children.
Dr. Montessori believed that each child is born with a unique potential to be revealed, rather than as a “blank slate” waiting to be written upon. The central tenets of her method of education are:
- Preparing a natural and supporting environment for the child
- Observing the child exploring freely in this environment
- Continually adapting the environment so that the child may fulfill their highest potential — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually
The Method
The Montessori method of education, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in 1907, is a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood.
Over 100 Years of Success
Dr. Montessori’s method has been time-tested, with over 100 years of success in diverse cultures throughout the world. It is a view of the child as one who is naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment. Dr. Montessori’s method is an approach that values the human spirit and the development of the whole child—physical, social, emotional, cognitive.
Learn by Making Discoveries
The Montessori environment contains specially designed, manipulative materials that invite children to engage in learning activities of their own choice. Under the guidance of a trained Montessori preschool teacher, children in a Montessori preschool classroom learn by making discoveries with the materials, developing concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning.
The essence of the Montessori method
To inspire a child to care genuinely about other people and the world and work to discover a unique and individual way to contribute.