What is Montessori?

Montessori education is an entirely different approach to education from traditional day care. The Montessori Method was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first female in Italy to become a physician. She based her educational methods on scientific observation of children's learning processes. Guided by her discovery that children often teach themselves, Dr. Montessori designed a "prepared environment" in which children could freely choose from a number of developmentally appropriate activities. Now, once century after Maria Montessori's first casa del bambini ("children's house") in Rome, Montessori education is found all over the world, spanning ages from birth to adolescence.*

What sets Montessori apart from traditional day care?

Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Children in Montessori classes learn at their own, individual pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning. Montessori classes place children in three-year age groups, forming communities in which the older children spontaneously share their knowledge with the younger ones. Montessori represents an entirely different approach to education.*