General Info:
Montessori Philosophy Montessori education for all children is based on these concepts: The aim of Montessori education is to foster autonomous, competent, responsible, adaptive citizens who are lifelong learners and problem solvers. Learning occurs in an inquisitive, cooperative, and nurturing atmosphere. Students increase their own knowledge through self- and teacher-initiated experiences. Learning takes place through the senses. Students learn through manipulating materials and interacting with others. These meaningful experiences are precursors to the abstract understanding of ideas. The individual is considered as a whole. The physical, emotional, social, aesthetic, and cognitive needs and interests are inseparable and equally important. Respect for oneself, others, the environment, and life is necessary to develop a caring attitude toward all people. At Montessori World School, every child is actively involved in the learning process. our teachers guide, listen and encourage, providing information at a pace that is responsive to the individual child's readiness to learn. They allow and promote self-discovery. Children respond through active participation and cooperation. The Montessori classroom is democratic. Rules for behavior are shared, classroom policies and procedures are explained and discussed. Our children follow these procedures to the degree that their developing intellects allow - with a sense of self-discipline and initiative that often seems remarkable to a parent unfamiliar with Montessori education. A single class, most with mixed age groups, may contain children working at a wide range of skill levels. Each child assumes responsibility for his or her own actions and completion of tasks. The Montessori teacher encourages acceptance of that responsibility, and quiet, self-directed activity is the result. Montessori-trained teachers are sensitive observers of the child's developmental needs and skills, and match learning activities to each child. Once a child masters a particular skill, a higher level task is presented. Each learning experience leads to new skill levels, the mastery of academic knowledge, and most importantly, to a sense of self-worth and self-confidence.