Montessori Characteristics

Child-Directed Work

The Montessori method centers around respecting each child’s curiosity and interest. Montessori Guides are trained to discern that initial spark in children, and then skillfully guide them to follow their interest to satiate their curiosity. Montessori classrooms are designed as a safe and stimulating environment that invites children to choose meaningful and challenging work of their own interest.

Uninterrupted Work Periods

When we are intensely involved in creativity, time disappears. It is in this state that we produce our best work possible. Children of all ages are capable of having these moments of intense concentration. Montessori education cultivates children’s ability to maintain intense concentration, unleashing their full potential. Guides are trained to provide children ample time to follow through with activities, allowing each child to progress at his/her own pace, even beyond their grade level.

Montessori Materials

Children process and absorb abstract concepts differently than adults. For children, direct experience rather than lecture is the best teacher. Children need to touch, smell, feel, and experience how things act and behave. Understanding this aspect of children’s development, Montessori education provides a wealth of learning materials in a specially prepared environment designed to foster direct experience. Children understand abstract concepts (i.e. length, quantity, time, etc.) by manipulating these materials hands-on.

Multi-Age Classrooms

Children of the same developmental stage (i.e. ages 3-6 and ages 6-9) share one classroom. Montessori education understands that learning is social as well as intellectual. The Montessori multi-age classroom models the real world, and affords opportunities for children to interact with each other in a constructive way, mastering social and leadership skills to thrive in a diverse world. Mixed-age classrooms allow the older children to become mentors to the younger ones, and thereby be inspired to reach their own potential.  By working closely with children for a period of three years, classroom guides know each child's learning style, strengths, interests, and capabilities. Children form lasting friendships as they and their guides develop a strong sense of community.

Collaboration

Students are encouraged to work together on assignments. Though direct instruction is provided to every student every day, students spend a large portion of the learning time working with each other. This approach not only fosters collaboration, but also provides students the opportunity to articulate their thinking to others, which helps to deepen their comprehension.

Mastery Learning

Learning goes beyond memorization and repetition to true understanding and application. Rather than structuring the day to assign a limited amount of time to each subject area, our Montessori approach provides both students and teachers flexibility in the time they choose to devote to any given pursuit. When a student, or group of students, demonstrates a particular interest in exploring a concept, question, or issue more deeply, the Montessori philosophy calls for teachers to facilitate such interests. The individual student progresses at his own rate, either moving ahead without having to wait for the rest of the group, or taking the time he needs to internalize the material.