The Montessori Approach
The Montessori approach combines the opportunity for each child to move forward in pursuing their interests and talents. At the same time teachers work with students to guide them to step beyond the familiar and explore the new. This powerful combination is one of the reasons why our students retain their natural inquisitiveness, high skill level, and love of learning. A Montessori student is prepared to seek the future.
The Montessori method includes these unique aspects of Montessori education:
- Respect for the individual
- Student-centered approach
- Multi-age classrooms (ages 18 mos.-2.9 yrs, 2.9-6 yrs, 6-9 yrs, 9-12 yrs, 12-14 yrs)
- Prepared environment
- Student choice of activity from a curated range of options
- Specialized materials which promote learning through discovery
- Uninterrupted blocks of work time
- Individual, small group, and large group lessons
- Freedom to move within and outside the classroom
- Specially-trained and highly-skilled Montessori teachers
Montessori Makes the Difference
What we teach at each developmental level is based on the scientific research of Dr. Maria Montessori, since informed by 100+ years of neuroscience and educational research. Human development follows predetermined paths, and the Montessori curriculum is based on these phases of children’s growth. Matching lessons to the precise developmental level at which the child is primed to receive them results in smoother skill acquisition and joyous learning.
Dr. Montessori called these developmental levels the “Planes of Development.” They can be described as follows:
First Plane (birth-age 6): development of self, sensitive periods when skills are easiest to learn
Second Plane (ages 6-12): intellectual period, sense of morality and justice, development of reasoning skills
Third Plane (ages 12-18): adolescence, similar to first plane, formation of self
Fourth Plane (ages 18-24): experiences that expand human potential, role in society
Our school is accredited by the American Montessori Society and the Association of Independent Schools in New England. Be sure to visit the Family Resource section of AMS’s website, which includes a glossary of terminology, “Montessori at Home” tips, and so much more. Our Toddler and Children’s House Programs are licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care.