A Montessori Journey to Lifelong Learning
On a fundamental level, this method is meant to stimulate the child’s interest while fostering a heightened level of understanding of their studies at the same time.
At AMS, we embrace the Montessori philosophy, allowing children to learn at their own pace and explore a wide range of subjects.
Our approach fosters a love for discovery while nurturing key values such as:
- Compassion and respect for others
- Independence and responsibility
- Improved concentration, motivation, and self-discipline
- Self-confidence and critical thinking
A hallmark of Montessori classrooms is mixed-age groupings. This approach allows for peer learning, mentorship and collaboration. Older students serve as leaders and role models and the younger students benefit from observing and being guided by their peers.
It starts with Respect
Respect lies at the heart of the Montessori philosophy, shaping the educational experience in profound ways:
Dignity of the Child
Maria Montessori believed that every child possesses innate dignity and deserves to be treated with respect.
Educator-Child Relationship
Montessori educators partner with children, respecting their unique needs and guiding their academic and personal growth.
Respect for Environment
Montessori classrooms are thoughtfully prepared environments where children learn to care for their surroundings, respect materials, and nurture a love for the natural world.
Respect for Peers
Mixed-age groupings encourage peer collaboration where children learn to listen, share, and appreciate diverse thoughts, perspectives and cultures. Montessori classrooms celebrate each child’s uniqueness and contribution to the community and school.
Conflict Resolution
In a Montessori classroom, children learn to engage with grace and courtesy with their words and actions. Conflict resolution emphasizes active listening, empathy and finding common ground.
Intrinsic Discipline
Maria Montessori believed children learn through conscience-guided choices. Montessori education fosters inner discipline and self-regulation, with meaningful tasks making learning its own reward. Natural consequences teach responsibility and accountability.
At AMS, we understand the importance of starting early—ideally before the age of four—to make the most of children's sensitive periods for learning. During this critical time, we nurture the development of the five senses, helping children refine these natural tools and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Maria Montessori believed the first six years of life are crucial for development. During this time, unconscious learning transitions to conscious understanding. At this stage, children begin to seek independence, develop concepts of justice and morality, and define their social identity. They also use their imagination to understand the world around them, including history, humanity, and the universe.
Choosing the right educational path for your child
It is a thoughtful process that involves careful research to find the best fit for both your child and your family. Understanding the Montessori philosophy and its core principles is essential, as they guide each child toward realizing their full potential.
Individualized Learning
Maria Montessori recognized that every child learns differently. In Montessori classrooms, students progress at their own pace, choosing work that interests them while educators provide personalized guidance. This balance of freedom and responsibility fosters independence within a structured environment.
Holistic Approach
Montessori education focuses on the whole child, nurturing academic skills, social-emotional development, critical thinking, curiosity, creativity, community-mindedness, and independence.
Hands-On Learning
Montessori classrooms are equipped with specific learning materials designed by Maria Montessori. These materials are concrete and manipulative, aiding in understanding abstract concepts and allowing children to explore concepts through direct hands-on experience.
Uninterrupted Work Periods
Every effort is made to ensure that each classroom community has either the morning or afternoon as an uninterrupted two to three hour work period. This allows for deep concentration where students can engage in activities at their own pace without disruptions.
Cosmic Curriculum
Children naturally have a deep love for purposeful work, not driven by profit or completion, but for the intrinsic value of the activity itself. Montessori's Cosmic Curriculum helps children develop an appreciation for how the world exists today, fostering their mental, physical, and psychological development through purposeful activities.
Right Tools for Growth
When children are provided with the correct tools, they are more motivated to engage in challenging work that stimulates their growth. At AMS, we create an environment where each child is given the means to reach their personal best and achieve their goals, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-discovery.
