The Montessori Approach

Montessori with Mandarin and Spanish immersion

A child-centered approach that combines freedom with thoughtful structure, hands-on materials, mixed-age community, and guidance from a carefully prepared teacher.

Child engaged in Montessori learning

Learning by doing

Children choose purposeful work from a carefully prepared environment and learn through movement, repetition, discovery, and the use of concrete materials.

The teacher observes, introduces lessons at the right moment, and gradually steps back as confidence and independence grow.

Hands-on Montessori classroom activity

Freedom within structure

Children have meaningful choices while learning to care for themselves, others, and their classroom community. Long work periods support calm focus without frequent interruption.

Mixed-age community

Younger children learn by observing; older children strengthen knowledge through leadership and collaboration. Each child progresses at an individual pace.

The prepared environment

The classroom is organized, attractive, and scaled for children. Materials are arranged in a clear sequence and invite exploration. Children select work, use it carefully, return it to its place, and gradually take responsibility for their surroundings.

What to look for in a Montessori classroom

  • Hands-on, multi-sensory materials that children use to learn by doing
  • Children choosing meaningful work and concentrating without frequent interruption
  • Mixed ages that create chances to observe, lead, and cooperate
  • Teachers who guide calmly and respectfully, building inner motivation rather than relying on prizes
  • An orderly, attractive environment children can use on their own
  • Practical life, language, mathematics, sensorial work, culture, science, art, and music
Learn more about the Montessori method

Who was Maria Montessori?

Dr. Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator who developed her approach through careful scientific observation of children. She recognized that the early years are a unique period of development, when children absorb language, movement, culture, and patterns from the world around them.

The Montessori teacher

The teacher is a trained guide and observer. Rather than directing every child through the same activity, the teacher studies individual readiness, presents lessons, protects concentration, and knows when to assist and when to allow independent discovery.

The early-childhood curriculum

Practical Life builds coordination, concentration, self-care, courtesy, and responsibility. Sensorial materials help children classify and understand impressions. Language grows through conversation, stories, sound work, writing, and reading. Mathematics begins with concrete materials before moving toward abstraction. Geography, biology, botany, zoology, art, music, and cultural studies help children feel connected to the wider world.

Development from birth to six

Montessori described young children as sensorial explorers with an “absorbent mind.” During these years, movement, order, language, independence, and social relationships develop rapidly. Experiences are matched to the child’s stage rather than imposed according to a single class-wide pace.

Parents as partners

A strong Montessori experience includes communication between school and home. Parent conferences and conversations about child development help families understand the classroom approach and encourage appropriate independence, respect, order, and responsibility at home.

See Montessori in action.

Visit a Casa dei Bambini classroom and see how the prepared environment supports concentration, confidence, and joyful learning.