The Montessori Method
The Montessori Method is a holistic approach to learning focused on the whole development of the child. With encouragement and support, students discover their unique talents and missions in life.
A Unique Approach to Learning
The Montessori Method is a unique approach to learning that meets the needs of students with disabilities, the gifted and talented, and all students in between in an inclusive, supportive environment. Developed by Maria Montessori, an Italian educator and physician in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Montessori Method is a highly sensorial and tactile instructional program.
Hands-On Learning
Montessori provides hands-on learning materials for all subject areas. Children experience the curriculum with all five senses and develop skills by engaging in physical activities. Movement is essential to learning in the Montessori classroom. Children enjoy uninterrupted work periods, which allow them to focus intently on what they are learning. Teachers observe students and present new material when students master concepts and skills. Montessori is child-centered, and we treat students with great respect. Students enjoy a great deal of freedom to guide their own learning within a highly structured and orderly environment.
The Montessori Environment
The Montessori classroom incorporates beautiful, open spaces with furniture and shelves sized to accommodate children. We arrange classrooms into “areas,” each area having “works” (educational objects) that address particular subject areas. Each work has a specific purpose intended to teach children as they learn to use it correctly. These intentionally developed, self-correcting works teach students to correct their own mistakes instead of relying on a teacher to give them the correct answer. Students learn to work independently and cooperatively, and to respect the space and privacy of others.
The Montessori Curriculum
Our curriculum scope and sequence is in alignment with Idaho Content Standards.
Additional Resources
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Online Videos and Resources
Watch and Listen:
Website Resources:
Recommended Reading List for Parents
Enjoy these introductory books and articles about Maria Montessori and Montessori education.
- Lillard, Paula P. (1996). Montessori Today. New York: Random House. Order through NAMTA or from your local bookstore. ISBN 0-8052-1061-X, 207 pages, bibliography, index.
Describes Montessori theory and contemporary American Montessori schools serving ages ranging from birth to adulthood. - Lillard, Paula P.; Jessen, Lynn L. (2003). Montessori from the Start. New York: Schocken. Order through NAMTA or from your local bookstore. ISBN 0805211128. 304 pages.
What parents can do to help their youngest children in the process of self-formation. - Montessori, Maria. (1948). To Educate the Human Potential. Madras, India: Kalakshetra Publications. Order Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company edition through NAMTA.
Describes the needs of the elementary-aged child in the process of acquiring culture. - Montessori, Maria. (1949). The Absorbent Mind. Madras, India: Theosophical Publishing House. Order Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company edition through NAMTA. U.S. edition can be ordered online through Amazon.com.
Discusses the development of infants and young children from birth to three years. Gives a clear explanation of the basis of Montessori theory and method. - Montessori, Maria. (1956). The Child in the Family. Chicago: Henry Regnery. Order Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company edition through NAMTA.
A series of short essays about the child, the family, and the school, with a philosophical emphasis. - Montessori, Maria. (1973). From Childhood to Adolescence. New York: Schocken. Order Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company edition through NAMTA.
Discusses the development and education of the child from age seven through adolescence. Includes Dr. Montessori's thoughts on university education. - Standing, E. M. (1957). Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work. London: Hollis and Carter. Order through NAMTA.
Covers Maria Montessori's life, how she developed Montessori education, its theoretical basis, and the worldwide growth of the Montessori movement.
The following books offer in-depth information about Montessori education:
- Kramer, Rita. (1976). Maria Montessori: A Biography. New York: Putnam's. Order online through Amazon.com.
- Montessori, Maria. (1917). The Advanced Montessori Method (Vol. 1: Spontaneous Activity in Education; Vol. 2: The Montessori Elementary Material). New York: Frederick A. Stokes & Co. Order Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company edition through NAMTA.
A collection of essays including both theory and practice at the elementary level. - Montessori, Maria. (1936). The Secret of Childhood. New York: Frederick A. Stokes and Co. Order current Orient Longman edition through NAMTA.
An introduction, both practical and theoretical, including observations and insights into the nature of young children. - Montessori, Maria. (1943). Education and Peace. Chicago: Henry Regnery. Order Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company edition through NAMTA.
Essays including lectures from the 6th International Montessori Congress in Copenhagen in 1937. - Montessori, Maria. (1946). Education for a New World. Madras, India: Kalakshetra Publications. Order Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company edition through NAMTA.
A discussion of the role of education in a changing world. - Montessori, Maria. (1948). The Discovery of the Child. Madras, India: Theosophical Publishing House. Order Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company edition through NAMTA. U.S. edition can be ordered online through Amazon.com.
Early writings of Dr. Montessori highlighting the materials and the work of the child in the primary class (ages 3-6). - Montessori, Maria. (1955). The Formation of Man. (first published in the U.S. under the title Childhood Education, New York: New American Library.) Order Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company edition through NAMTA.
Dr. Montessori's approach to world literacy. - Montessori, Mario. (1966). The Human Tendencies and Montessori Education. Amsterdam: Association Montessori Internationale.
A classic essay on the imagination, the natural characteristics of the child, and the integration of human development and history. - Montessori Jr., Mario M. (1977). Education for Human Development: Understanding Montessori. New York: Schocken Books. Order Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company edition through NAMTA.
The ideas of Montessori from a philosophical, psychological, and educational point of view. Foreword by Buckminster Fuller.
