What is Montessori?

Montessori is a philosophy of education developed by Dr. Maria Montessori during the early 1900’s.

The Montessori education process is a unique cycle of learning.  It is designed to take advantage of the sensitive years (ages 2-6) when children associate an abstract concept with a concrete sensorial experience.  The process then continues through the elementary years when instruction begins in concrete realities, adding one difficulty at a time, moving sequentially into abstract theory.  Children are allowed to progress according to their individual abilities and skills in a non-competitive atmosphere.

Montessori classrooms are multi-age environments.  Mixed-age groupings encourage a sense of family and community while providing mentoring opportunities in which older students help the younger students, thereby reinforcing their own skills. This setting helps children develop a sense of order within themselves, a foundation for a lifetime of creative discovery and a natural development of critical thinking skills.

The Pre-Primary and Primary classrooms are equipped with attractive, “hands-on” materials, which along with the Montessori curriculum, stimulate independent learning not just memorization.

The Lower and Upper Elementary classrooms offer Montessori materials which encourage children to function at the upper limits of their potential.  They allow the students to experience open-ended exploration and avenues for self-expression.

Frisco Montessori Academy, 2008