The Montessori pre-school is made of children of mixed ages from 2 1/2 to 5. The children learn from each other. The 5 year old acts as a teacher to the 2 1/2 year old and the younger children learn from the older ones. The relationship is compatible and conducive to learning. Respect and courtesy are paramount as children learn to work and play with each other. The classroom becomes a home and learning becomes a joy. Children look forward to a new lesson, new challenges and new discoveries every day. The primary goal of our Montessori program is to help each child reach his/her potential in all areas of life. The children respect their environment, respect each other and learning becomes an enjoyable daily process.

The Whole Child Approach
Every aspect of growth and development is taken into consideration in our Montessori class. All our activities promote the development of social skills, physical coordination, emotional and intellectual growth. The whole child is taken into consideration while the teacher interacts with each child on a daily basis.

Dr. Maria Montessori described the classroom as an organized, beautiful place where a child feels comfortable and secure. The materials are arranged attractively on low shelves where the children can explore in math, language, science, geography, practical life, music & art. Every piece of apparatus has a special place on the shelf. Children are taught a lesson and are instructed how to use the material and also where to put it away. This is important for the development of an organized - creative - efficient mind. The child learns a sense of order and feeling of accomplishment.

The Prepared Environment
The teacher gives a lesson everyday and the children observe her closely. Every piece of material has a special place therefore the class is a prepared environment. Children learn by watching, observing and doing. They develop a sense of order and concentration and a real joy of learning.

So why choose a Montessori program?

• Children become independent thinkers.
• Children learn to be self confident, self motivated, self directed and organized.
• Children learn respect for their teachers, their peers, their parents, their materials and their environment at an early age.
• Children learn patience and self control.
• Children learn multi cultural activities through geography and current events.
• Children learn early on to make decisions and choices which will live with them throughout their lifetime.

In our 35 years as a Montessori school we've educated thousands of children and have watched them become CEO's, engineers, doctor of education, medical doctors, and successful business entrepreneurs. We are so fortunate to have our students in the 70's & 80's return to us with their children only to inform us how well they have done and they owe their success to their early beginnings at Montessori Academy.

Children pass through sensitive periods of development early in life. Dr. Montessori described the child's mind between the time of birth and six years of age as the "absorbent mind". It is during this stage that a child has a tremendous ability to learn and assimilate from the world around him. During this time, children are particularly receptive. A Montessori teacher recognizes and takes advantage of these highly perceptive stages through the introduction of materials and activities which are specially designed to stimulate the intellect.

A quality Montessori classroom has a busy, productive atmosphere where joy and respect abound. Within such an enriched environment, freedom, responsibility, and social and intellectual development spontaneously flourish!