Why Montessori?
There are so many early childhood options out there. Why choose Montessori and why choose Children’s House?
Montessori Philosophy
The Montessori philosophy is more than the materials in the classroom, or the teacher giving lessons. It is an attitude toward children, a way of understanding their unique nature and allowing them to grow and develop to their fullest potential.
At Children’s House Montessori School, our program is based on the philosophy of Maria Montessori, who felt that the purpose of formal education was to “learn how to learn.” This means that we:
- Allow your child to make choices for his own learning, thus encouraging independence and self-initiative.
- Respect each child’s uniqueness and in turn inspire each child to develop in his own way, to his fullest potential.
- Provide an atmosphere that nurtures an early enthusiasm for learning and promotes your child’s work ethic.
- Allow plenty of uninterrupted time for the children to work with the materials in their own unique way, independently or in small groups.
- Foster each child’s curiosity and creativity by empowering him to ask questions, try new ideas, and think for himself.
Who was Maria Montessori?
Although Dr. Maria Montessori is best known as an educator, she was a medical pioneer as well, becoming, in 1896, the first woman doctor in Italy. She began her work with children in psychiatric hospitals and in the slums of Rome, but soon came to believe that the educational principles she was developing applied to all children. She opened the first “Casa dei Bambini” or “Children’s House” in 1907 in San Lorenzo, Italy.
Her revolutionary ideas spread quickly, and training centers opened throughout the world. The Montessori Method came to the United States in 1912, but didn’t experience rapid growth until the early 1950s. This was largely due to the efforts of Nancy McCormick Rambusch, an early childhood educator and founder of the American Montessori Society, who was moved by an increasing concern over the quality of American education.
For a complete history of the Montessori educational movement, click here.
Montessori Best Practices
Here at Children’s House we are proud to provide our families with an authentic Montessori program by following “best practice” guidelines as advocated by the American Montessori Society (AMS), of which we are a Full Member School.
- multi-aged, heterogeneous groupings
- the Great Period – 2½ to 3 hours of uninterrupted work time
- five days a week for early childhood programs
- gradual transition from concrete to abstract concepts
- emphasis on Grace and Courtesy lessons
- opportunities for concentration is a priority
Our Vision
At Children’s House Montessori School, we strive to assist the children to become the adults who:
…feel self-empowered to reach their fullest potential
…lead with strength and follow with respect
…tolerate difference and respect diversity
…appreciate all cultures
…preserve our environment
…think independently
…experience wonder
…promote peace
…care for others
…love to learn.
May they know how to let their spirit sing!
Virtual Tours Happening Daily
All tours remain virtual at this time. Use the button below to schedule your tour through our Facebook page or give us a call at 703-481-6678. We look forward to seeing you (virtually) and answering whatever questions you have about our program.
Schedule a Tour
All tours remain virtual at this time. Use the button below to schedule your tour through our Facebook page or give us a call at 703-481-6678. We look forward to seeing you (virtually) and answering whatever questions you have about our program.