About
Montessori Education
What is Montessori education?
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Montessori education is not a narrow teaching method but a broad philosophy of life that rests in faith in each child as a potential new beginning for humanity and the creator of the adult they will become.
Every child possesses an inner force that drives them to grow and learn, observed in their spontaneous activities. We respect this natural curiosity, which makes learning an imperative, as much a fundamental need to the child as food, shelter, and love. Our role, as adults, is to observe the child's natural interests and activities and provide an environment where he can develop and learn.
Dr. Maria Montessori believed that self-motivation is the only valid impulse for learning. Within the carefully structured order of the Montessori classroom, the child is free to choose their own projects throughout the day. Following their inner direction, children discover their unique pattern of learning and find satisfaction in work.
In a Montessori classroom, often referred to as a "prepared environment," the child takes an active part in their self-development while receiving guidance from a Montessori-trained adult. The children are guided and empowered to work out their social problems to the benefit of their moral development. When the child is encouraged to develop understanding, compassion, and respect, they can cultivate their self-discipline.
What makes Montessori education different from other pedagogies?
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Its application is universal. Montessori is the single largest pedagogy in the world. In the United States, there are approximately 450 public Montessori schools, many of which admit students by lottery, and around 4,000 private Montessori schools. -
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Based on a foundation of observations of the authentic nature of the child, it reveals the child and adolescent as lovers of work - both of the intellect and the mastery of the body (especially the hand). This work is spontaneously chosen and carried out with profound joy. -
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It offers the child the greatest possible choice of physical and mental activity, but each child works at their own pace. The child can work individually, work in groups, and help other children with work they have already mastered. -
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It allows the child to grow in biological independence by respecting their needs and removing undue adult influence. The liberty children experience in a Montessori environment is not a permissive license but forms genuine self-discipline. -
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It does away with competition as a prime motivation for learning. -
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The child works from their own free choice. This choice is based on knowledge and is thus an authentic choice.
Austin Montessori School
Austin Montessori School is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or gender, disability, or age in providing educational services, activities, and programs. Austin Montessori School complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA"), as amended, which incorporates and expands upon the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and any other legally-protected classification or status protected by applicable law.
