What is the difference between Montessori and other Preschools?

In most preschools the children are taught educational concepts in a group by a teacher. In a Montessori school the children learn concepts spontaneously as they work independently with the many materials in the classroom. Individual lessons are presented by the Directress and the older children in the classroom also guide the younger children.

What is the purpose of the Montessori Method?

The main purpose of the Montessori Method is to develop the environments where the child can unfold spontaneously and manifest the greater person within. According to Maria Montessori, “The child is the father of the man.” As the child begins to develop their inner self, their love of life and learning expands continuously.

Who started the Montessori Method?

Dr. Maria Montessori was Italy’s first woman medical doctor. Using her scientific background, she began observing children in the children’s houses of Rome. Based on her unbiased observations, she developed unique materials, a child-centered environment, and was one of the first persons to revolutionize educational taught by stressing respect for the child, freedom of expression, self-education and training through use of movement and the senses.

What is the role of the Montessori Directress?

The Montessori teacher is called a Directress because she facilitates the classroom activity. She carefully plans the environment in the interests of the children and she helps the children progress from one activity to the next. She is trained to deal with each child individually, allowing them to choose from many activities within the range of their ability. She stands back while a child is working and allows them the satisfaction of their own discovery.

With all the freedom, isn’t there confusion?

The concept of freedom in the classroom is freedom within limits. A child is allowed to work freely so long as they do not disturb others. Actually, the children having freedom to follow their interests are generally happy and busily involved in their work.

How do Montessori children adjust to public schools?

Children who have been in Montessori environments are generally very flexible and adjust quite easily to the public school environment. They are generally better students and spend their time in more productive ways because of their self-direction and positive attitude towards learning. We have found that Montessori children are usually more advanced than the grade they are placed in public schools, according to their age.

Why is the Montessori experience for five days?

The Montessori classroom experience is for five consecutive days in order to allow the spontaneous learning of the child to flow smoothly. A child taken in and out of school every other day does not have the consistency or the same opportunity to pursue their unfolding interests. As an AMI Montessori school, MSR is mandated to hold class five consecutive days in a row.

How long is the school year?

The regular program follows a typical school calendar, beginning in early September and ending in mid to late June. A Summer Camp (separate fee) runs for about eight to ten weeks each summer.