A fundamental principle in Montessori is that each child is a “sensorial explorer”. Sensorial materials are sequential and provide a foundation for both math and language. Learning activities are designed to isolate the physical qualities perceived by the senses such as size, shape, composition, texture, comparison of sounds and colors, matching, weight, grading, and temperature. Sensorial learning materials and activities provide a continual exercise of observation and comparison skills. They lay the foundation for active intelligence and conscious knowledge.

Children develop speaking, listening, writing and reading skills in a variety of experiences. Oral language is developed through conversation, poems, literature and sharing stories. Our toddler and preschool children learn the sound and formation of each letter of the alphabet, on a sensorial level, through the use of the sandpaper letters, phonetic objects, and related materials. Reading is encouraged through the use of a moveable alphabet and the construction of words from individual sounds as they are first learning.

We use concrete learning materials to present the abstract concepts and sensorial work that enables each child to identify and differentiate the idea of quantity, an abstraction built into the Montessori math materials. Primary (3-5 yrs) children build an understanding for the concept of numbers including basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Our elementary program builds on this and prepares each child not only to be intellectually ready, but also confident and engaged in their learning journey because of the empowerment that comes from each child learning at their own pace and leaning into what sparks their interest.

We foster creativity and an understanding of the arts for all of our students. Activities focus on expression through and with paint, paper, clay, pencils, watercolors and whatever else turns up. Singing and dancing, storytelling, and making rhythm and music take place regularly and spontaneously. All of these activities encourage an appreciation of the arts as a natural part of our physical world.

Young children are especially receptive to grasping language. Because of this, our Montessori education includes the basic nomenclature of biology, geometry, physical science and geography. The experience is given first and the language follows. Children gain an awareness of the physical world around them by exploring everything from flower parts and shapes to geometric solids to concepts such as sinking/floating.

Students gain an understanding and compassion for all people in the world by looking at the basic needs of all humans (food, shelter, clothing). Along with compassion, the Montessori experience develops the student’s awareness of their own feelings and sensitivity to the feelings of others.

Our students are encouraged to take responsibility of free-choice work, to complete what they begin, and to clean up afterward. As guides, we relate to our children as individuals with separate needs, helping them to learn responsibilities and progression at their own pace. Montessori education fosters independence, refines a child’s natural tools for learning, and self-motivation. It goes beyond the academic disciplines, emphasizing personal responsibility and consideration for others.