What does "Montessori" mean?

     The Montessori method is named for Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman doctor in Italy who devoted her adult life to the observation and study of children.  Rather than "teaching" a child concepts, the Montessori environment is designed to stimulate the child's interest and facilitate his understanding and learning capacities with little or no adult intervention.  In this environment, the child can unfold spontaneously and manifest the greater person within.

     Between the ages of 2 1/2 and 6 is when most of the child's intelligence and social characteristics are formed.  This is also when the child is most receptive, curious and excited about exploring the world around them.  A Montessori classroom nurtures that excitement and curiosity by offering a variety of materials to stimulate and intrigue the child.  The  child  is valued as an independent thinker and encouraged to make choices on his own.  A Montessori education provides students of all ages with information in a way they can understand and enjoy -- learning is fun, empowering and custom-fit to suit the child's individual learning style. 

     A Montessori education is unique because its staff is devoted to helping children meet their potential through developmentally appropriate activities over a three year period.  With the hands-on-to-learning concept, children generally begin this program at age 3 and are guided through concrete step by step learning processes in the study areas of daily living, sensorial, mathematics, geography, science, language and social development.

     "Never let the child risk failure until he has a resonable chance of success," said Dr. Montessori, understanding the need to acquire basic skills before participating in a competitive learning situation.  Gwen's Montessori education provides and individualized learning environment, free from this competition, which helps the student flourish by building a strong positive self-image.  They also learn to love school and work because of their successes.

     Gwen's Montessori School, Inc.  is a private, non-profit organization that relies on its fundraising activities to support the high cost of educational materials used in the classroom and facility upgrades.  Most Montessori schools must charge high tuition prices, making this kind of program affordable only to those of higher income levels; however, Gwen's program is made available to children of diverse social and economic backgrounds.  With your consideraton you too can be a part of providing such a healthful environment.