Education

"Absorbent Mind"

Dr. Montessori discovered long ago that the child under the age of six has a miraculous ability to absorb their world around them. She called this special mind the "Absorbent Mind." The young child can absorb language, perfect movement and internalize order developing them into a competent child in a few short years. Never will these sensitivities and abilities be more alive than in the early years of life. The Primary classroom offers a unique cycle of learning designed to take advantage of the child's sensitive years between three and six, when the child can best absorb information from an enriched environment.

The Classroom

Attractive Spaces

The natural curiosity in young students drives exploration and discovery. Our student-centered environments spark curiosity through hands-on exploration and freedom of choice, balanced with responsibility and respect. Teachers prepare the environment and provide gentle, respectful guidance, while observing the student and developing individualized work plans for each student.

In addition to the inside classroom we provide outside classrooms and a creative space to help expand the experiences of the student.

Materials

The Montessori environment contains specially designed manipulative "materials for development" that invite children to engage in learning activities of their own individual choice. Under the guidance of a trained teacher, children in a Montessori classroom learn by making discoveries with the materials. Resulting in cultivating concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning.

A Community of Learners

Montessori philosophy stresses the importance of a three-year cycle, believing that the child's full potential is reached after three years in the same environment. Montessori schools use multi-age groupings (three to six-year-olds, six to nine-year-olds, etc.), with trained teachers to meet the children's specific cognitive, social, and emotional needs. We realize that children possess talents and needs that go beyond academics; therefore, children are free to explore the environment at their own pace. The multi-age environment creates a learning community where the children work together to learn from one another.

Independence

“The child seeks for independence by means of work; an independence of body and mind.” (Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind, Chapter 8, p. 91)