 Objectives
The Montessori approach is designed to assist the child in acquiring
the skills and self-confidence needed to fulfill his potential. This
is accomplished by building on interests, nurturing enthusiasm and
making activities available to meet individual needs.
Though much has been said about the academic achievements
of Montessori children, the program's chief value lies in the self-discipline,
self-mastery and love of learning that children achieve.
Philosophy
The philosophical foundation of the Montessori approach is based
on the premise that education should be an aid to life. In order
to develop their physical, intellectual and spiritual powers to
the fullest, children must have freedom -- a freedom to be achieved
through order and self-discipline. Respect for a child's personality
and trust in the inner potential are prerequisites to the foundation
of a fruitful educational alliance.
Enrollment
A child normally enters the three-year Montessori program at 2-3
years of age. The materials he works with at three and four help
him develop the concentration, coordination and working habits necessary
for the more advanced exercises he will perform at five and six.
The program is purposefully structured. Therefore,
optimum results cannot be expected for a child who misses the early
years of the cycle or for one who is withdrawn early. A Montessori
school is neither a baby-sitting service nor a play school. Rather,
it is a unique style of learning designed to take advantage of the
child's sensitive years between three and six. By pursuing his own
interests in a Montessori classroom, he gains an early enthusiasm
for learning, which is key to his becoming a truly educated person.
Application can be made at any time and should
be made as early as possible.
Dr. Maria Montessori
 Maria
Montessori, the first woman M.D. in Italy, was one of the greatest
pioneers in the study of child development. On graduation from Rome
University Medical School in 1896, she worked with mentally deficient
children. Her scientific background and great compassion for children
led her to careful and thorough observations of the children in
her care.
She became a lecturer at Rome University and set
down the foundation of scientific pedagogy in Italy. In 1908 Dr.
Montessori began her innovative approach with a group of children
in the slum area of San Lorenzo in Rome. Within a year her accomplishments
with these children earned worldwide acclaim and set a universal
standard for the education of young children.
She wrote 25 books on the various aspects of her
theory and practice, and she formulated her approach for elementary
education in 1912.
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