Dr. Maria Montessori

The philosophical foundation of the Montessori approach is based on the premise that education should be an aid to life. In order to develop their physical, intellectual and spiritual powers to the fullest, children must have freedom - a freedom to be achieved through order and self-discipline. Respect for a child's personality and trust in the inner potentialities are prerequisite to the foundation of an adequate educational alliance between the child and the adult.

Dr. Montessori was the first woman graduate of the University of Rome Medical School in 1896. She worked with mentally deficient children and became convinced that they could be reached through special education. Dr. Montessori developed a number of specialized teaching materials, and found that these children could learn much more than had been thought possible. Several years later, while directing a day care center she used the same equipment with normal children. After countless observations, Dr. Montessori concluded that children aged 2 to 6 years have the ability and desire to learn a great deal more than was previously thought.

In the Montessori classroom today, the environment is carefully prepared with manipulative materials created by Dr. Montessori. The children choose their own activities, work at their own pace, and repeat these activities for as long as they wish. They develop confidence, independence, and a sense of order.