FAQs


“As we observe children, we see the vitality of their spirit, the maximum effort put forth in all they do, the intuition, attention and focus they bring to all life’s events, and the sheer joy they experience in living.”  – Maria Montessori

What is “Montessori”?

Dr. Maria Montessori

A Montessori school is a school that embraces the educational philosophy and methodology developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900’s. The first woman physician to graduate from the University of Rome, Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) developed the method of education based on her scientific observations of how children develop and learn. She created an approach to education that put respect and awe of the child’s potential at the center, with the lofty goal of developing an approach to education that could bring peace to humanity.

Montessori schools are committed to developing the “whole child” – physically, emotionally, socially, and academically. We believe that children learn best in an environment that is designed and managed by Montessori teaching professionals, that allows them to move at their own pace academically, make decisions for themselves, solve their own problems, and learn to respect others and their community.

“Our aim is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his innermost core.” – Maria Montessori

What are the main components of a Montessori classroom?

  • Multi-sensory Learning Experiences. Children learn by doing in addition to seeing and hearing. Montessori materials are designed to help the child develop an understanding of concepts, not just memorization of facts.
  • Personalized Instruction. Credentialed Montessori teachers personalize instruction to meet the needs of each student, promoting self-paced, self-initiated learning.
  • Multi-age Community of Learners. The 3-year age span in preschool and elementary classrooms allows children to learn from each other as well as their teacher. Children participate in caring for classroom pets, plants, and each other, promoting the development of nurturing, leadership and mentoring skills.
  • Freedom within Limits. Children are given opportunities to practice having freedom and autonomy, even in the youngest children’s environment. The classroom is set up so that children can explore and learn independently, while also having guiding limits in place.

What is AMI?

AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) was established by Maria Montessori and her son, Mario, in 1929 and has international headquarters in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. In AMI schools, Montessori philosophy and curriculum are implemented in a way that is consistent with the original approach of Maria Montessori. Additional information can be obtained through www.amiusa.org

What is AMS?

AMS is American Montessori Society, an organization dedicated to promoting Montessori education and accrediting authentic Montessori schools. AMS was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in New York City.  Additional information can be obtained through their website www.amshq.org.

Suggest Reading