Maria Montessori

Born in Italy in 1870, Maria Montessori graduated from medical school in 1896 and became the first female physician in Italy. In her medical practice, Dr. Montessori's clinical observations of children led her to analyze how they learn and how they relate to their immediate environment.

In 1906, Dr. Montessori established the first "Casa dei Bambini" or Children's House, working with 60 children in Rome. She observed these children's almost effortless ability to absorb knowledge from their surroundings, as well as their seemingly tireless interest in manipulating materials. She concluded that young children possess a natural and intense desire to learn and they teach themselves when provided with the appropriate materials.

Every exercise, every piece of equipment and every method Dr. Montessori developed was based on what she observed children did "naturally" by themselves, unassisted by adults. She also observed that children experience phases of growth, each with characteristic "sensitivities" that guide physical and mental development.

Dr. Montessori created a highly enriched learning environment for children that encouraged enthusiasm for learning by allowing them to pursue individual interests at their own pace and according to their abilities within each "sensitive period".

Although Dr. Maria Montessori died in 1952 her methods live on in Montessori schools around the world.


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The Montessori Method

The Montessori Method is designed to promote independence, self-discipline, concentration and most importantly, a love of learning. It is consciously designed to recognize and address different learning styles. Students progress as they master new skills, moving ahead as quickly as they are ready. The learning environment is designed for success at all levels. The Montessori Method is recognized worldwide for educational excellence and innovation.


The Montessori Program includes:

  • A philosophy and methodology that respects the intelligence of children
  • A well-organized classroom
  • Scientifically designed hands-on materials
  • A highly trained teacher.
  • Early childhood and elementary education
  • Emphasis on intrinsic motivation
  • Rich extensive curriculum
  • Cross-discipline learning
  • Individualized and small group lessons
  • Fosters scientific and mathematical aptitudes
  • Nurtures appreciation for history and timelines
  • Caring classroom communities
  • Opportunity for children to make meaningful decisions about their own learning
The Montessori Classroom

Each classroom is designed to meet the child's needs at every developmental stage and to provide a warm and secure community atmosphere.

Hands-on manipulative materials engage the child in the study of numbers, mathematical operations, phonics, writing, pre-reading and reading skills. Cultural areas studied in each class include geography, history, science, art and music.

A child working in one class for two or three years allows them to develop a strong sense of community with their classmates and teachers. The age range also allows the especially gifted child the stimulation of intellectual peers, without requiring that she skip a grade and feel emotionally out of place.

The multi-age grouping also provides students with opportunities for broad social and academic development. Working both independently and with others, students learn strategies for consulting and collaborating with others, conflict resolution skills and respect for individual differences.

The diversity unique to the Montessori classroom, particularly
at the elementary levels, reflects real-world situations and best prepares the maturing student for post-academic life.

The Montessori Curriculum
The curriculum is highly enriched and designed to cover a complete range of interests and abilities. It is carefully structured and integrated into all subject areas.
The Montessori curriculum meets or exceeds the Ontario Curriculum.