Maria Montessori’s educational philosophy has been used for over a century in countries throughout the world. Fundamental to her practice was her belief that education should “follow the child,” because she recognized that children seek to construct their understandings of the world through experiences in their environment, and that adults can effectively facilitate learning by preparing an environment and allowing children to choose the materials and experiences within it.
“Education is not what a teacher gives...education is acquired not by listening to words, but by experiences upon the environment.” (MM)
Montessori programs typically include the following:
Students in the Children’s House are placed in self-contained classrooms where children ages 3, 4, and 5 work together. Each child typically remains in the same room and with the same teacher for the full three-year cycle of the primary program. The beauty of these “family” groupings is that our youngest children enter what Montessori referred to as a “normalized” classroom; one in which the routines and expectations are established and where children are self-directed, confident, and purposeful in their activity. The oldest children are given the opportunity to help guide and nurture younger students, while also being challenged to reach the highest level of knowledge in specific skill areas. Our teachers look at the cognitive, social, and developmental age of each child when planning a personalized curriculum, not merely the chronological age. SFMS teachers strike a balance between supporting the development of emerging skills and encouraging the development of individual strengths.
Features of our Elementary Program: