Why Montessori
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
More Montessori Resources
From powerful video overviews to research documents, popular articles and resource materials.
Take a moment to watch the video to the right – quick-hitting, in-depth, informational and entertaining, it’s a clear explanation of the differences between Montessori and traditional approaches to education.
If you’re looking for additional insights, articles and testimonials, the following references provide more on the short- and long-term success of a Montessori education as well as succinct overviews of its advantages.
Additional Reads
Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 22 – 33, by A.K. Murray, Spring 2011.
Montessori education helps your child develop independence, a sense of empathy and social justice, and a lifelong love of learning. Find out how.
by Angeline S. Lillard, PhD.
Harvard Business Review, by Andrew McAfee, July 2011.
by Tim Seldin and Paul Epstein. More than a beautiful coffee table book, this in-depth, easy-to-read explanation of Montessori education is in layperson’s terms, from the early years through secondary school.
blogs, where our own educators and staff chronicle real-life stories, examples and benefits of the Montessori experience at CMH.
by Chip Wood. Written with warmth, humor and clear descriptions of child development, a comprehensive, user-friendly reference of developmental traits and charts summarizing physical, social, language and cognitive growth patterns.
Ready to See it First Hand?
Experience it for yourself! Come visit our campus to see in person how we create a unique environment to support our students’ education and development.
