A better way of learning
Whole-child development, self-directed learning, child-centered methods – guiding principles that work.
Dr. Maria Montessori believed the real goal of education was not to fill a child with data, but instead cultivate each one’s natural desire to learn – a foundation that would then be forever pursued by the child themselves. At CMH, our entire culture supports that individual learning– and more importantly, individual growth.
True community is formed in our multiage classrooms, guided by certified teachers in collaborative, calm learning spaces. Exploration is born from this carefully prepared environment – and each student’s natural curiosity and creativity harnessed for growth. That growth is exponential, as one-on-one attention and well-rounded enrichment programs produce independence, focus and auto-education. This culminates in students transforming into leaders who are also confident decision-makers, responsible mentors and innovative thinkers. It’s called following the child – and it all happens here, naturally.
Why choose Montessori
Imagination & independence
Students are naturally drawn to subjects in ways that feed their own desire to learn, independently choosing purposeful, open-ended activities that allow – and require – them to do and think for themselves. They explore new ideas and relationships – the cornerstones of self-confidence and originality – rather than memorize facts and figures.
Individualized instruction
With our curriculum, there is no one-size-fits-all; lessons are tailored specifically to individual children, keeping every student optimally challenged and engaged. Acting as guides instead of lecturers, teachers purposely prepare an interactive environment where students learn complex concepts through discovery and hands-on work.
Collaboration, respect & responsibility
Students learn from each other in mixed-age classes, evolving into a community that works together to solve problems and reach goals – learning respect for each other and their surroundings. Expectations are clear, with logical, natural consequences – a freedom within limits that is ingrained early and mirrors real life on countless levels.
Where discovery happens, naturally.
Inside the classroom
At CMH, assessment is an ongoing practice rather than a standardized or compulsory test. Our teachers regularly evaluate the whole child, an observation-based method where students are measured by the sum of their work, effectively and accurately gauging their progress in a low-pressure, low-stress environment.
Longer blocks of work time protect students from constant interruptions, naturally developing better focus and building concentration. They stay more productive, engaged and interested in their work – while also learning to take responsibility for both its completion and correctness.
Natural fibers, live plants and animals, captivating objects and bright colors provide a complex, multisensory experience within a place children immediately recognize as their own. Students find welcoming spaces to learn, work and play – at tables, on rugs, individually, in groups, inside, outside.
Rooms are right-sized, with learning materials, furniture and supplies scaled to fit and developmentally appropriate for each level. The focal center is not a teacher’s desk facing rows; each room is a true community working together, a home-like atmosphere where students acquire practical life skills, from cleaning to cooperation to manners.