What is Montessori Education?

Montessori is a scientifically based education approach that emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural psychological, physical, and social development. It was developed by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori.

Montessori education is based on the belief that all children are unique individuals, that they all have immense potential, and that they want to learn and be productive. Montessori teachers guide each child through the learning process by using materials that fit their specific needs and pace.

Montessori classrooms are immediately recognizable. You will see children working independently and in groups, often with specially designed learning materials; deeply engaged in their work. The children are respectful of themselves and their surroundings.

The Montessori Method fosters rigorous, self-motivated growth for children and adolescents in all areas of their development—cognitive, emotional, social, and physical.

Classes are organized to encompass a three-year age span, which allows younger students the stimulation of the older children, who in turn benefit from serving as role models.

With two-thirds of the class returning each year, the classroom culture remains quite stable. Working in the same class for three years allows students to develop a strong sense of community with classmates and teachers.

Core Themes at Cooper Montessori

The Educational Partnership 

Honest, open communication forms the basis of educational partnerships among teachers, students, and parents. Our Montessori community believes that it is the responsibility of each individual to be respectful and caring of each other and of the world in which we live.

The Montessori Curriculum 

The Montessori curriculum fosters inquiry and exploration. Teachers are committed to Montessori principles and serve as role models and guides in a multi-disciplinary curriculum that requires initiative, problem-solving skills, and personal integrity to work to one’s fullest capacity.

The Prepared Environment 

Each child is given the freedom and permission to learn directly from a thoughtfully prepared environment. The responsibility to make choices instills in students self-discipline, independence, and joy in the learning process.

The Collaborative Learning Community 

In all of our multi-age classrooms students are encouraged to develop, share, and acknowledge individual strengths and skills. Learning is a collaborative process in which students inspire, motivate, teach and, above all, respect each other.

The Potential of Each Individual  

On an intellectual, emotional, and physical level students are guided and supported as they strive toward fulfilling their individual potential. By respecting a child’s unique voice, learning style, rhythm, and pace, teachers foster self-confidence and a willingness to take risks. Student assessments measure the personal growth of each individual in the academic and social context. Our program uses district benchmarks along with state and district testing.