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In the early 20th century, Dr. Maria Montessori, the first female physician in Italy, turned her attention to working with children who had learning challenges. Her educational theories and methods were based on scientific observation of children’s learning processes. Concluding from her observations that children are internally motivated to learn, she created a “prepared environment,” with specially designed materials to challenge them at each developmental level. The materials-centered approach, in which teachers observe and facilitate rather than direct, is a hallmark of Montessori education.

Dr. Montessori opened the first Children’s House on January 7, 1907 in San Lorenzo, Italy. As she had opportunities to further observe students through their developmental phases, she and her son Mario researched and brought to fruition the dream of a Montessori program that moved through developmental levels from ages 3 to 12 and educated the whole child. In the early 1940s, Mario revisited Maria’s vision and created a middle and high school model. Over the years, schools all over the world have made Maria’s dream a reality, through infant/toddler programs, Children’s House programs, Elementary programs,and airkinder (middle school/high school programs). We at MSN are proud to be part of this time-honored tradition.

Montessori education is based on the following premises:

• The child innately seeks to master his/her environment, is self-motivated, and learns best through discovery and by using hands-on materials.

• The child moves through numerous “sensitive periods” when their mind is especially open to learning specific skills or knowledge, and has an “absorbent mind” with limitless motivation to achieve competence and perfect skills and understandings.

• The teacher’s role is to support the children as they learn, by observing the child, helping them to make choices, encouraging them to work with another child, presenting lessons, and creating a prepared environment with opportunities for growth and skill development.

• The curriculum has a depth and sequence, featuring self-correcting materials designed for a specific purpose.

• At the core is a comprehensive framework (The Great Lessons) which help children to understand the world around them (where do we come from, where are we going).

• Classrooms are multi-age, based on a three-year cycle. Each child benefits from being in the youngest, middle, and eldest group within each classroom.

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| History of Montessori | Montessori Materials | Peace Education |