Montessori Academy, guided by the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, immerses students in a diverse community that values creativity and nurtures each student’s social, emotional, and academic growth.
Our philosophy is based on Dr. Maria Montessori’s scientific observations of young children in the early 1900’s. Dr. Montessori saw these children’s almost effortless ability to absorb knowledge from their surroundings, as well as their tireless interest in manipulating materials. Every piece of equipment, every exercise, every method Montessori developed was based on what she observed children do “naturally,” by themselves unassisted by adults. Children’s optimum development academically, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually occurs when they can use purposeful materials in an uninterrupted time frame.
“The child has to acquire physical independence by being self-sufficient; he must become of independent will by using in freedom his power of choice; he must become capable of independent thought by working alone without interruption. The child’s development follows a path of successive stages of independence, and our knowledge of this must guide us in our behavior towards him. We have to help the child to act, will and think for himself. This is the art of serving the spirit.” – Maria Montessori
Beginning her work almost a century ago, Dr. Maria Montessori, through scientific observation of children, developed this educational approach based on her understanding of children’s natural learning tendencies as they unfold in “prepared environments” for multi-age groups.
The Montessori Environment contains specially designed, manipulative “materials for development” that invite children to engage in learning activities of their own individual choice. Under the guidance of a trained teacher, children in a Montessori classroom learn by making discoveries with the materials, cultivating concentration, motivation, self-discipline and a love of learning.
Today, Montessori schools are found worldwide, serving children from birth through adolescence. In the United States, there are more than 4,000 private Montessori schools and more than 200 public schools with Montessori-styled programs.
The Key Philosophical Messages of Montessori
- Deep respect for children as individuals.
- Multiage classes allow teachers to develop close and long term relationships with their students and to know each child’s learning style well. The multiage structure encourages older students to become role models, mentors, and leaders to younger students.
- Integrated curriculum is carefully structured and connects subjects within programs (history and cultural arts) to maximize the opportunity for learning. It builds to support children’s progress from concrete to abstract learning.
- Independence is nurtured and leads children to becoming purposeful, motivated, and confident in their own abilities.
- Peace and conflict resolution are taught daily and children learn be part of a warm, respectful, and supportive community.
- Through experiences, interactions, and environments, in a very real sense each child creates the adult that is to be. Character Development is a central focus of the AMS Montessori curriculum.
- Hands-on learning is central to the curriculum in all programs and leads to children being engaged rather than passive with their work.
- The environments are responsibly and carefully prepared with multi-sensory, sequential, and self-correcting materials to support self-directed learning.
- Teachers, children, and parents work together as a warm and supportive community.
- Self-expression is nurtured in all children. Children experience art, music, poetry, theater, writing, and other forms of creative arts with confidence and passion.