Montessori Method

What is Montessori Education?

Montessori education is a time-tested approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori — an Italian physician and scientist who spent her life studying how children grow and learn. Her research led to a global educational movement that emphasizes independence, creativity, and purposeful learning.
 

A Framework for Life

At the heart of Montessori education is the belief that children are naturally curious and love to learn. Instead of focusing solely on academics, the Montessori method nurtures the whole child — helping students become thoughtful, capable, and responsible individuals who can contribute meaningfully to their communities.
 

Learning Through Stages of Development

Montessori education is built around what Dr. Montessori called the planes of development — predictable stages of growth from birth through adolescence:

• Ages 0–6: Sensorial Explorers – Children absorb the world through their senses and learn by doing.
• Ages 6–12: Conceptual Explorers – Students are curious and eager to understand the world around them.
• Ages 12–15: Humanistic Explorers – Adolescents seek to find their place in society and make meaningful contributions.
   

Montessori Programs

Each Montessori program aligns with these stages of development:

• Primary (Ages 3–6): Hands-on learning that builds independence and foundational skills.
• Elementary (Ages 6–12): Divided into Lower (Grades 1–3) and Upper (Grades 4–6), this program fosters intellectual curiosity and social development.
• Adolescent Program (Grades 7–9): Designed for the unique needs of middle schoolers, this program encourages critical thinking, self-expression, and real-world problem solving.

The Montessori Classroom

Montessori classrooms — called prepared environments — are thoughtfully designed spaces filled with hands-on materials that support self-paced, individualized learning. Students stay in the same classroom community for three years, building strong peer relationships and learning to mentor one another.

Guided by trained educators, students explore topics when they’re ready, gaining confidence and a love for lifelong learning.