Maria Montessori began her professional life as Italy's first female physician. Using her keen scientific observation skills, she began to develop a theory of child development and education based on the dictum "follow the child." The Montessori approach is designed to assist the child in acquiring the skills and self-confidence necessary to fulfill his or her own potential. By building on interests, nurturing enthusiasm, and allowing for individual needs, children can achieve self-discipline, self-mastery, and a life-long love of learning.  

The philosophy is based on three equal components: the child, the adult, and the environment. A Montessori classroom is comprised of children of mixed ages and genders.  We believe that young children possess an "absorbent mind" that allows them to easily assimilate information and understanding through all of the senses. In addition, we believe that children have "sensitive periods" when their interests and abilities for acquiring certain skills are at a peak.  The role of the adult in the classroom is best described as a facilitator who observes the readiness and interest of the child and becomes the link between the child and the environment. A Montessori classroom is a carefully prepared environment. Materials are specifically designed and chosen to provide a sequential, concrete, and attractive curriculum. The opportunities for learning are extensive, but always appropriate to the child.  Through touching and manipulating concrete objects and materials, children are introduced to basic concepts in mathematics, language, science, and geography.

Social skills develop easily and naturally. The wide age range keeps competition to a minimum while giving maximum opportunity for cooperation and peer-learning. The children develop a social life governed by  mutual respect and helpfulness.  Because a child is in the classroom for three years, he or she is able to move through the levels of introduction, repetition, and mastery  in a respectful and safe environment.