Inspire students to fulfill their purpose

“In addition to maintaining the best instructional practices in reading, writing and math, their program of inspiring kids to be kind, well mannered and cooperative fills my heart.” GreatSchools.net

The Montessori method allows the children to learn from one another. An atmosphere of quiet activity develops a feeling of mutual aid, fellowship and genuine respect for each other. The classroom is geared for success, allowing each child to find a challenge that is natural. The Montessori materials are designed to reach the mind through the hands, and to engage all of a child’s senses.

The Montessori Method Throughout the World

There are more than 5,000 Montessori schools in North America and up to 100,000 worldwide. Montessori schools in the United States exist in a variety of forms, including private nonprofit schools, private home-based schools, public schools, and in Head Start programs. Santa Cruz Montessori is a private school with teachers certified by both the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).

Montessori schools can be found throughout the world, including Western Europe, Central and South America, Australia, New Zealand and much of Asia. The movement is especially widespread in India, Sri Lanka, Korea, and Japan, and is beginning to grow in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, and China. As our world grows smaller, this is of particular benefit to families who may relocate to a new country.  

"Montessori Basics"

Inviting Environments: Montessori classrooms are bright, inviting, and filled with plants, books, animals, art, and music. Montessori classrooms are commonly called "prepared environments." This is an expression of the care and attention given to meeting the child's needs.

Respect and Independence: Montessori schools believe that each child deserves full respect. This respect creates an atmosphere where learning is facilitated. If they knew the words, even very young children would ask: "Help me learn to do it myself."

To think, collaborate, and discover: Montessori teaches children to think and leads them to discover answers for themselves. Montessori teachers treat each child as a unique individual learner and help them learn at their own pace.

Montessori Materials: Montessori materials create a road map for children to move from the concrete to the abstract. The materials are beautiful, provocative, and simple. They stimulate the child into logical thought and discovery.

12 Points of the Montessori Method

1. The Montessori method is based on years of patient observation of children’s natures.
2. It has been successful for children of almost every nation, race, color, climate, nationality, social rank, and type of civilization.
3. Children love intellectual work, spontaneously chosen and carried out with profound joy.
4. Children need to learn by doing. At each stage in the child’s mental growth, Montessori classrooms provide activities to help the child develop.
5. The Montessori classroom offers spontaneity, and can help children reach a higher level of scholastic achievement than in traditional classrooms.
6. Montessori teachers develop discipline without the need for rewards and punishments. It is a proactive discipline that originates with the child.
7. The Montessori method is based on a profound respect for the child’s personality, enabling the child to grow independently.
8. Teachers work with children individually in each subject, guiding them according to individual needs.
9. Each child works at his/her own pace. Quick learners are not held back, and those who need more time are not pushed ahead before they are ready.
10. The Montessori teachers work to eliminate competition. There are plenty of opportunities among the children for mutual help, which is joyfully given and gratefully received.
11. Without competition and coercion, the child is freed from overstrain, feelings of inferiority, and other common negative educational experiences.
12. The Montessori method develops the whole personality of the child, not merely intellectual faculties, but also powers of deliberation, initiative, and independent choice. By living as a member of a social community, the child develops the qualities that form the basis of good citizenship and a lifelong love of learning.

Recommended Readings

• The Secret of Childhood, Maria Montessori
• Montessori, A Modern Approach, Paula Polk Lillard
• Positive Discipline, Jane Nelson 
• Montessori: The Science behind the Genius, Angeline Lillard, PhD

Recommended Web Sites

North American Montessori Teacher's Association

Association Montessori Internationale/USA

International Montessori Council

Santa Cruz Montessori is one of a few private schools in the Monterey Bay Area with quality Montessori programs that guide and nurture the whole child, from ages 18 months through 15 years.