Why Montessori?

Choosing a pre-school for your child can be daunting. There are so many things to consider. You may be asking yourself "Is my child ready?" "What are the different types of schools?" "How much does it cost?" "Where are the neighborhood children going?" These are just a few of the questions which may be keeping you awake at night.

You will want to visit at least three schools of varying types. Begin observation as soon as you park your car. Is the building inviting. Does the secretary or administrator seem happy and interested to meet you? Pay close attention to the cleanliness and attractiveness of the hallways and classrooms. Observe the children - do they appear happy and involved? What is there interaction with the teachers in the classroom? Observe the teacher. Does she seem interested in the children? In control of the class?

The Montessori Method has been surrounded by myths and misconceptions since its inception. Many parents, to this day, choose Montessori for its so-called academics or because they believe that their child will read earlier. Though many children do come to reading during their stay at the Montessori House, not all do because they haven't reached that "sensitive period."

It is imperative for parents to be clear about their own expectations and be certain they they are not unrealistically high. It is important for parents to become as familiar as they can with Montessori, her methods and her materials in order to not only reign in expectations, but to be able to appreciate the wonderful work that their child does during the day. The ages from 2 1/2 through 6 have a special magic.

"Observation proves that children are endowed with special psychic powers, and points to new ways of drawing them out literally educating by cooperation with nature. So here begins the new path, wherein it will not be the professor who teaches the child, but the child who teaches the professor."

A brief overview of the method, teacher preparation and the materials are summarized below and linked to the navigational buttons at the left. There is also a page devoted to ideas to implement in your home. If there is something that you do in your home, please feel free to share it with the administration and we will be happy to include it in the page. There is also a bibliography and web resources that the staff finds particularly helpful.