The Montessori Method

The Montessori method starts with a series of carefully prepared environments suited to the unique characteristics and propensities of the individual. It seeks to optimize the developmental stages of each new child who joins our community. Trained guides attune to the individual personality, skills, and interests of the child and provide a dynamic link to the materials in the classroom. As the child grows confident in their capabilities, they too grow in their willingness to participate in the construction, care, and maintenance of the community and the environment. Children in the 3-6 environment are often seen watering plants, feeding a classroom pet, or working through their ideas to find workable, peaceful solutions to their problems.

The method emphasizes practical experiences such as cutting vegetables, planting a garden, or sewing. It also offers the child concrete exploration of abstract impressions such as smell, color and form, first through the senses and gradually building a foundation with language and movement from which true creativity flows. Additionally, the foundational concepts of spoken and written language, math, geography, biology, and culture are explored tangibly and interdependently for a deeper understanding, rather than in isolation or strictly through the abstract paper and pencil format. 

Because the environments are extensions of the community, diversity in language, music, and self-expression play a significant role in the character-building process.