MDLA

The Montessori Approach

Maria Montessori developed an educational approach that was visionary in its time. Its central tenets are that learning is self-initiated and that the entire individual is created, particularly equipping children with the skills they need to succeed in the world of the future. Montessori schools prepare children with planned environments and educators specially trained to observe and respond to individual developmental needs at a critical instant.

Foster Independence

Montessori schools emphasize independence at the earliest years of life. We foster independent movement within the room, the option of choosing within established limits, and the hearing and respect of children's voices. Children build practical life skills such as cleaning, time management, and food preparation—skills they will be able to use within the room, at home, and throughout life. This emphasis on independence frees children and instills confidence within them. Within the Montessori schools, infants, toddlers, and small children experience that they and their autonomy are cherished and that they will experience a great feeling of power as they acquire skills and experience meaningful choice-making.

Child-Centric Learning

We start with educators who are educated in the development of children in particular age ranges. We respect the individual development of each child and build environments that match their needs. We acknowledge that children will not necessarily follow a linear course and will need varied challenges and support at different times during the study. We allow students to study intensely in areas of individual interest so they may build proficiency and passionate investment in the subject that intrigues them. We follow the child and create educational environments that match the developmental needs of the individual and offer the chance for in-depth study of the area of individual interest.

Thoughtfully Planned Environments

Montessori classrooms stand out with their characteristic design elements. One enters a Montessori room and immediately sees the natural materials, the use of natural illumination, and the inclusion of live things such as animals and plants. Low shelves with easy-to-reach heights enable children to reach the place of their work with ease and flexible space that will allow space for individual and group activities. The quality of the materials stimulates lovely work and children's senses. Well-structured environments foster the power of concentration and love of study through deliberate design.

Value Kindness and Peace

We educate students to be world citizens with integrated peace education. We start teaching world geography at a young age and familiarize children with the traditions of multiple cultures. We take the time to teach conflict resolution techniques and let children experience social dynamics the way they will encounter them. We believe that peace and compassion are the keys to any good education and are necessary for the development of humanity. Through this experience, students develop respect and the skills they need to be a force for good in the world and their communities.

Relationship with Nature

Natural elements permeate our program and demonstrate that children must be exposed to the natural world. Other than the children-tended animals and plants that inhabit the classrooms and buildings, the classrooms also demonstrate a museum-like setting with interesting natural specimens. Depending on the project the children are working on, it may be dissecting owl pellets, fossils that are thousands of years old, or geodes that shimmer with crystals. The study of botany and zoology begins in the primary grades. We also believe we must get the students outside whenever possible and allow them to experience and observe the natural world at the source.

Realistic Evaluation

Montessori classrooms incorporate formative and individual assessments. The word assessment comes from the word in Latin, which signifies sitting beside, and that is truly what we do in a room of Montessori children. We sit beside children, observe them working, and take note of the data we gather during the process. The three-period lesson, a hallmark of the Montessori system, intends to measure proficiency and comprehension at the moment of teaching. We also observe students and take detailed notes to know exactly where individual students need extra challenge and support. Daily use of formative assessments allows education and learning to be adjusted in the moment so individual children receive exactly the help they need.

The Essence of Montessori

At its heart, Montessori education is a way of being with children that allows each to develop fully into the person they were meant to become. Just as parents create loving, safe homes where children feel secure and well-adjusted, we make educational environments where the physical space, teachers, and student community respect and support each child throughout their academic journey. This approach uniquely prepares children for our fast-changing world by developing independence, critical thinking, and a genuine love of learning that will serve them throughout their lives.