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Montessori Education

Inspiration | Exploration | Creativity

"Education should no longer be mostly imparting of knowledge, but must take a new path, seeking the release of human potentialities." —Dr. Maria Montessori

How Montessori Education Came to Be

Montessori Education was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, one of the first female doctors in Italy. Through research, observation, and training, she analyzed how children learn and created an approach to education based on the universal characteristics of children at different stages of development. Dr. Montessori found that children thrive when guided through lessons with materials scientifically designed to promote independence, concentration, collaboration, creativity, self-discovery, and critical thinking.

Dr. Montessori recognized that “every child is a unique individual who needs to be understood, respected, admired, and unconditionally accepted as a precious gift of life,” but she also saw that “every child has certain characteristics that are the same as every other child.” Thus, every piece of equipment, exercise, and method that Dr. Montessori developed was based on what she observed children do “naturally,” by themselves, without assistance from adults.

Key Principles of Montessori Education

Dr. Maria Montessori is pictured in an old black and white photo sitting outdoors with two little children

Here, Dr. Maria Montessori sits out in nature with two young children.

“Education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the human individual and is acquired not by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.” —Education for a New World

Benefits of Montessori Education

  • Fosters Independence and Collaboration: Children learn to care for themselves and manage their work and time while developing skills to work with others.
  • Encourages Critical Thinking: Our approach promotes problem-solving  and analytical skills
  • Builds Social Skills:  Mixed-age classrooms enhance communication and cooperation.
  • Supports Individual Development: Every child progresses at their own pace, ensuring a deeper understanding of topics
  • Instills a Love of Learning: Children are motivated by their own curiosity and interests

Montessori Resources

International AMI AMI—USA