What is Montessori

Dr. Maria Montessori

The word Montessori is the last name of Italy's first female physician.  Maria Montessori's name became public domain in the 1920s and now is used to reference the method of education she developed as well as the schools and materials which practice this method. 

Dr. Maria Montessori was born in Italy in 1870. As a young woman she pursed a degree in medicine. After graduation she was hired by a hospital to care for  young children who were orphaned, some considered to have learning disabilities. Dr. Montessori became intrigued when observing the children and began to develop activities for them to participate in.  Many of the physicians and staff were surprised to see the children's academic and personal growth. Dr. Montessori was then invited to work with a group of children in Rome who were left alone all day while their parents worked. This became the first Casa dei Bambini, or Children's House. 

Through scientific observation, studies of human development and collaboration with other professionals, Dr. Montessori was able to develop a set of materials which would be appealing to the young child and directly aid in their development.  She did not only focus on the academic, she focused on the whole child. She emphasized that furniture and materials needed to be child sized in order for children to feel comfortable as well as developing a sense of pride and ownership.

Many of Dr. Montessori's ground breaking discoveries continue today throughout the world. At the heart of her method is a belief in the child's potential and that since every man and woman begins as a child we must show great respect and attention to even the youngest child, fostering and developing independence, social awareness and responsibility.

Our program at CHMS consists of many options to suit your family schedule and your child's needs. It is very important to the young child to have a consistent routine and expectations. By providing your child with a consistent school schedule you are taking an important first step towards your child's comfort and success at school.  Children's House Montessori School provides three hour blocks of school time. Dr. Montessori called this the “three hour work period.” She found that this was the amount of time a child needed to be able to settle into their environment, choose a material to work with, explore it fully with repetition and complete all necessary steps in the work.  This also allows them time for social interactions, snack, large group lessons, field trips, nature walks and playing outside.