Philosophy

The Montessori Philosophy

The Montessori method of education was first introduced in Rome in 1907 by Italian physician Dr. Maria Montessori

Dr. Montessori believed that in order for preschool, elementary school and middle school children to develop their physical, intellectual and spiritual powers to the fullest potential, they must have the freedom to explore the world around them in an orderly, disciplined environment. She also believed that children will automatically seek knowledge and navigate learning at their own pace if given the opportunity.

In support of this philosophy, a Montessori teacher —called a Guide— prepares the learning experience, programs the activity, functions as the reference person and offers the child the stimulation necessary, but it is the child who learns. Because these learning styles are natural, the child will persist in his chosen task and seek additional knowledge as he masters the task at hand.

“There is a great sense of community within the Montessori classroom, where children of differing ages work together in an atmosphere of cooperation rather than competitiveness. There is respect for the environment and for the individuals within it, which comes through experience of freedom within the community.” -Dr. Maria Montessori

What Makes Us Different

The Montessori School of Westminster Maryland is a unique, hands-on alternative to traditional educational settings:

Child Centered— The environment is child-centered versus teacher-centered. The voice of the Guide is rarely heard above that of the children.
Multiage— Children of various ages work together or are engrossed in their own individual work in the classroom.
Individualized Learning Experience— A child’s age does not determine when they will move to the next level of the learning curve. Instead, children progress through the learning experience when they are ready both socially and academically.
Proximity Learning— Older children have the opportunity to hear presentations again, reviewing and reinterpreting information, while younger children hear more advanced presentations and can be included when they are ready.
Catalyst— The Montessori Guide is trained to be a catalyst – and will direct, rather than teach.
Maximize Potential— Within the carefully prepared learning center, a child is able to develop the person within to achieve his or her greatest potential.
Life-long Learning— The Montessori approach to learning focuses on fostering a child's natural inquisitiveness and helps them to learn how to find the answers.

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Famous Montessori Students

Google co-founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin

In a 2004 interview with Barbara Walters, Page and Brin said it was their Montessori education that positioned them for extraordinary success. At their Montessori school they were given the freedom to pursue their own interests and encouraged to think for themselves.

Other well-known Montessori graduates include:

• Jeff Bezos, financial analyst, founder, Amazon.com
• Katherine Graham, owner/editor of the Washington Post
• Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, editor, former first lady
• Anne Frank, famous diarist from World War II
• Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Nobel Prize winner for Literature
• Jimmy Wales, co-founder, Wikipedia
• Beyonce Knowles, singer, songwriter, actress and designer
• David Blaine, magician and endurance artist
• Julia Child, first world-famous television chef

and many more

Did you also know that the youngest Nobel Peace Prize nominee, youngest Rhodes Scholar, and the youngest artist to exhibit at the United Nations are all Montessori graduates?