Inviting Art Into Your Home

“If we try to think back to the dim and distant past... what is it that helps us reconstruct those times, and to picture the lives of those who lived in them? It is their art... It is thanks to the hand, the companion of the mind, that civilization has arisen.”

— Maria Montessori

Art is a fascinating thing. It doesn’t even matter if we create it or experience the work of others; art touches us all. It makes us think, it gives us windows into the worlds of others, it serves as a record for the general human experience. Studies show that art has a definite positive impact on children. 

While schools everywhere are forced to deal with budget cuts, art is often one of the first things to go. We can guarantee you that’s not the case at our school, and in fact art is woven into the various subjects as well as taught directly. This article isn’t a question of whether or not your child will receive art education at our school - they absolutely will.

This article is here to inspire you should you want to bring art into your own home.

Curious to learn what this might look like? There are a number of ways to approach the subject. Read on to learn how.

Go out into your community

Looking for something to do as a family on the weekend? Look no further than your own town or city. Art is everywhere! Here are just a smattering of places to consider:

• Museums

• Murals on buildings

• Outdoor sculpture

• Public buildings such as municipal buildings and libraries

• Public parks

Going to view art in your community can be a transformative experience for children and adults. At the very least, it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Ready to take it a step further? Work together as a family to create environmental art. A quick image search will give you inspiration, then it’s just about gathering available sticks, leaves, stones, or whatever else nature has left lying on the ground.

Literally bring art into your own home

Finding ways to bring the art of others into your home is easy and can be done in several ways:

• Pick up postcards at your local art museum. Tape them to the wall of your child’s bedroom and create a rotating display of images. Old calendars can be used similarly!

• Have art books on hand for your child to look through. Find these at your local second-hand book shop or your local library. They are often oversized with art that takes up entire pages. Their beauty and novelty is sure to evoke interest.

• If it’s within your budget, purchase art to display in your home. Simple ways to do this include finding prints of your favorites or buying the art of local artists.

Create space for your child to become the artist

This is an opportunity for your child to create and for you to make a small replication of the type of work they might see in their Montessori classroom. Find an old tray or basket you have stored away, rummage through your child’s existing art supplies, and spend a few minutes putting together something meaningful. Then set it on a shelf, windowsill, or table where they can use it whenever the mood strikes. The possibilities are endless, but here are just a few ideas:

• Playdough creations - include a small sealed container of dough and whatever “doodads” you have lying around. This could be sequins, googly eyes, small nails or screws, buttons...you get the idea. Young children will enjoy making truly unique sculptures (and as their parent, you will delight in what they come up with!).

• Watercolor - Cut watercolor paper into small rectangles (the smaller pieces are less intimidating and much more manageable). Leave this out with a small cup for water, a brush, and a paint set. Option: include a pencil or permanent marker, too.

• Collage - Great for all ages, including teens, and super simple. Include a couple of pieces of plain paper to serve as the base, a glue stick, scissors, and whatever interesting scrap paper you have lying around. This could include magazines, interesting wrapping paper, or even junk mail.

We hope this has given you an idea or two that you’re excited to try. Are you already a family that engages with art regularly? We would love to hear more ideas and experiences that have worked for you and your children!

Plant Care: Practical Life Meets Science

Montessori students begin studying biology at a young age, usually around age three during their first year in the primary environment. This work continues throughout the course of their time with us. They explore information with more depth than you might imagine, so they end up with a strong base of understanding about living organisms.

Along with zoology, botany is one of the earliest subjects explored. We give our students lessons about plant life and there are supplemental materials on the shelves for them to explore. The learning doesn’t stop there. When it comes to biology, we believe having living examples present whenever possible is one of the best ways to spark genuine interest and increase understanding. Plants are one of the easiest ways to do this, and within our classrooms and throughout the building you will find many beautiful examples of this type of life.

It’s important to note that the plants we keep are not just for display and observation. Our students - even our very youngest students - take an active role in caring for the plants.

The Practical Life Angle

When we think of practical life, all that we teach generally falls under the umbrella of three categories: care of oneself, care of others, and care of the environment. The more we participate in this type of work, the more we realize how connected the categories are.

Plants are one of the best teachers of practical life skills. We keep living specimens in our classrooms intentionally - and for many good reasons. Studies have shown the presence of plants to have a positive effect on peoples’ moods, they are helpful in filtering the air, and they contribute to the natural beauty of our classroom environments.

But - rather than just letting a bunch of pretty plants sit there and be cared for by the teachers, we engage our students in the important work of plant care. The children in our classrooms learn how to properly water living plants. They learn to dust their leaves. They learn to recognize that some plants need more sunlight than others, and that it is up to us to ensure we place them in proximity to windows accordingly.

Beyond the potted plant, our students learn to appreciate the art of arranging flowers to beautify the classroom. They plant gardens, tend to their seedlings, and harvest their own vegetables. They take on a sense of responsibility for living things that are reliant on them. The original Montessori Erdkinder model for adolescents is based in part on students running their own active farm. This still happens in some schools, but others (where an actual farm is not practical or possible) find ways to engage similar types of experiences.

We believe teaching students how to care for plants has numerous benefits. Well-cared-for plants beautify the learning environment, bringing a sort of energized calm into the atmosphere. Plants are also a wonderful introduction into learning to care for something beyond yourself; they have the ability to teach both empathy and responsibility.

The Science Angle

Starting in Montessori primary classrooms and continuing on throughout their school career, our students study botany each year. The skills start simply and are often accompanied by gorgeous wooden puzzles, but our study of plants is always rooted (don’t mind the pun) in living examples.

The content covered is wide-ranging and often intertwines with other subject areas. Here is a general idea of the scope and sequence of our botany curriculum:

• Parts of… (a plant, a tree, a flower, a seed, etc.)

• Identification of various leaf shapes

• Evolution of plants on Earth

• Types of plants

• Plant reproduction

• Plant respiration

• Categories with the plant kingdom

• Botany experiments

• In-depth studies of types of plants and parts of plants

• Native and invasive species

• Plants’ roles with ecosystems

• Interactions between people and plants

• Plants’ roles in economies

There are opportunities throughout your child’s time at our school to engage in “research projects” about plants. Sometimes young children may choose to write or draw about what they’ve learned, while older children might take an interest in a particular species, looking up information and writing reports to be shared with classmates.

Exposure to botany beginning at such a young age, coupled with an understanding of how plant life has evolved over the course of Earth’s history, leads Montessori children to appreciate and understand more about this kingdom than many of their peers. They are encouraged to explore their own interests more as they get older, and it’s often amazing how many of them choose independent exploration of this particular subject.

Bringing It Home

Parents often ask us how they can support the Montessori curriculum in their own homes. While we do not advise families to purchase Montessori materials, as they can only be used correctly after receiving specific training, caring for plants in your home is a wonderful way to bring your child’s school experience into your home.

Start simply! This might even be just picking up a bouquet of flowers at the store, or gathering wildflowers near your home, then asking your child to show you how they learned to arrange them at school. Provide your child with a pair of scissors, a vase or two (or even just empty glass jars!), and access to a sink. If they are still learning, you might guide them in making sure they trim stems at an angle, and explain how this allows the cut flowers to absorb more water. Allow your child to display the flower arrangements inside your home.

If you’re ready for more, engage your child in the care of your existing houseplants, or perhaps purchase one or two for them to take charge of. Teach them to recognize that different types of plants have different light and watering needs. Remind them to mist or dust leaves occasionally, not only to make the plants look nice, but to help them be more efficient in their photosynthesis.

If you’re feeling really ambitious... spring will be here before you know it! January is a time when gardeners delight in huddling inside their warm homes, thumbing through seed catalogs and planning out what they will do during the upcoming seasons.

We hope this article has provided you with both helpful information and maybe a little bit of inspiration. As always, we would love to hear from you! If you have questions or want to see what this looks like in our schools, please reach out and let us know.

Life After Montessori

One of the most frequently asked questions parents have for Montessori schools, especially after their child has been enrolled for a year or two is:

How will my child transition into other schools once their Montessori career is complete?

Some families are just curious about what the transition is like. Others worry that their child won’t be prepared for “the real world”. Either way, we love this question, because our answer is straightforward and definitely puts parents’ minds at ease.

Staying the Course

First and foremost, we would like to emphasize that every year you give your child in a Montessori environment is a gift. We fully acknowledge the sacrifices our families make to ensure their children are able to experience this very special type of education. There is the obvious financial component, but we know parents often drive out of their way to get to our school. We know participating in our community sometimes means an extra time commitment. We know our parents spend quite a bit of time learning about their child’s education.

We are deeply grateful and recognize all your time and efforts.

We know that sometimes there are factors that make re-enrollment decisions difficult for families. That being said, we do want to express that the longer your child is able to stay in a Montessori environment, the stronger the benefits will be for them.

Most critical perhaps, is allowing a child to complete the cycle they are in. For example, some public school districts begin offering free education starting in kindergarten. If a child attends a Montessori primary program for the first and second year, but leaves before they have a chance to experience their third, they are unfortunately missing a very substantial benefit of the model. Our three-year cycles are intentional; the first year is about looking up to models and grazing new information, the second year is about practice (both in regard to academic skills and mentorship), and the third year gives children the opportunity to achieve academic skill mastery and serve as leaders for the younger children in the class.

Missing out on the kindergarten year is like cake without the icing.

The same goes for the other levels, where Montessori education is carefully structured to support the child through their specific developmental phases. They are respected and honored for who they are, their teachers are able to grow with them long-term, and they continue to experience a genuine joy of learning.

But What About Grades? Tests? Differently-Structured Learning Environments?

Since Montessori schools are structured so that children learn to focus on self-improvement and development, as well as fuel their motivation internally, things like grades and tests don’t make sense. Neither does having a teacher stand at the front of a class lecturing the same prescribed information to everyone at the same time.

When a student is college-aged and chooses their own course of study, it makes perfect sense to employ some of these strategies. The student is at a different developmental phase in their life, they have decided what they would like to focus their efforts on, and they have had sufficient time and practice to develop time management skills, internal motivation, and a strong sense of self.

As for the in-between time, when a student leaves a Montessori school and experiences another learning environment for the first time? Academically, they are typically very prepared. We often hear about our graduates feeling very comfortable with the content and rigor of their classes. Their experiences with our math materials, in particular, tend to resonate deeply as they engage in higher-level courses. As for other areas of study, our students tend to have strong reading skills, solid understanding of effective research strategies, and a general delight and excitement for learning about science and the world (and universe) around them. These attributes make for a smooth academic transition.

“As we head into Semester Two [in high school], it has become so evident that his time at HMS has put him into position to deal with whatever comes his way. Academically, socially and in virtually every aspect of his teenage life, the toolkit that was forged at HMS has provided him with such confidence and poise. We are so grateful for the dedication and commitment of the entire HMS community. What you are cultivating is truly extraordinary.”

— Parent of an Upper School Graduate

How Do Montessori Alumni Fare Socially?

Moving into any new school environment presents a transitionary period for all children. What we typically hear from most families as their child settles in elsewhere:

• The child notices differences in the way people behave in different settings.

• The child, who has a firmly-developed sense of who they are, is able to find a friend group that is supportive and like-minded.

• The child has a deep sense of empathy, which helps them navigate their way through this different environment.

• After a bit of time, Montessori alumni often tend toward leadership and mentoring roles in their new schools.

• The child becomes an active member in the new school community, taking advantage of experiences, classes, or clubs that speak to their personal interests.

Are There Long-Term Benefits?

The types of skills Montessori children gain are exactly the types of skills that set one up for a life of success. They are passionate about their work. They treat others with fairness and kindness. They care about the connections in their communities. They are independent thinkers who are capable of sorting through the information we are all bombarded with on a daily basis.

In fact, some of the most well-known and influential people in the world credit their Montessori education for their success. You’ve likely seen lists and read about many of these folks already, but if you haven’t you can here, here, and here...among so many others. 

We know our families are dedicated to Montessori education, but it’s only natural to wonder, “What’s next?”. Hopefully we have shed a little light on the subject, but if you still have questions, as always, we encourage you to reach out. We love talking to our families and are always here to learn along with you.

“We couldn’t be happier with our choice to enroll our daughters at Hollis Montessori. In addition to a very solid academic preparation, they learned how to be independent, organized, the value of friendships, a love for the outdoors, and a desire to contribute to the greater good. Now they are thriving in college and graduate school. We feel that Montessori gave them an incredible foundation for their lives.
”

— Parent of Upper School Graduates

Books To Cozy Up With This Winter

As winter settles in and we spend a bit more time huddled inside our homes, it makes perfect sense to gather books to read. Whether our young children snuggle up with us as we read to them, or they’re getting a bit older and find a comfy spot to lose themselves in a book, we have titles here for all ages. From board books to YA (and everything in between), we skipped over the books you probably already know and love in an attempt to share some new ones.

Board Books

Winter Is Here by Kevin Henkes, illustrated by Laura Dronzek

Henke’s books are always charming and so appealing to young readers; Winter Is Here is no exception. Along with Dronzenk’s beautiful illustrations, the text celebrates the simple joys of the season.

Winter Dance by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated by Richard Jones

As winter approaches, all the animals have different ways of preparing. Fox doesn’t head south, gather nuts, or change out its coat...so what should it do? We love this sweet tale with a focus on nature.

Picture Books

Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Campher, illustrated by Kenard Pak

Lina can’t wait to wake up and help her grandmother make stuffed grape leaves, but when she gets up, she discovers a blizzard has covered her city with snow. On the walk over, she thinks about how her grandmother can’t see very well, and she tries to listen to the sounds snow can make. This is a story everyone can enjoy and is sprinkled with Lebanese heritage and tradition.

Before Morning by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Beth Krommes

Fans of Krommes’ Caldecott winning The House in the Night will adore this gorgeous book. Some winter mornings feel almost magical, and what could be better than a big snowstorm to keep a traveling parent home a bit longer than expected? Full of rich text and cozy illustrations, this is a perfect book for this time of year.

Under the Snow by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Constance R. Bergum

Some of the best picture books blend masterful storytelling with factual information. Children of this age are eager to learn about their world, and often, especially, about animals. While humans enjoy their time above ground during winter, countless creatures are surviving beneath the surface.

Snow by Uri Shulevitz

Grownups, the radio, and the television all say there won’t be snow, but the boy with the dog knows better. One flake becomes two, then three, then more, as the town transitions from an eerie grey into a beautiful blanket of white. Snow is a Caldecott Honor book.

Early Readers and First Chapter Books

A Snowy Day (Ana & Andrew) by Christine Platt, illustrated by Sharon Sordo

A brother and sister enjoy a wholesome winter day together, filled with bundling up to play outside, making a snowman, eating “snow cream”, having grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch, and imagining how their cousins in Trinidad might enjoy the weather.

Henry And Mudge And The Snowman Plan by Cynthia Rylant, illustrations by Suçie Stevenson

If your child enjoys this book, it is just one in a fantastic series! Henry and his dog Mudge hear about a snowman-building contest at the local park. When Henry runs home to tell his dad about it, he finds him painting a green chair and covered in green paint himself. This is hilarious, but it also gives Henry an idea...

Caterflies and Ice (Zoey and Sassafras) by Asia Citro, illustrations by Marion Lindsay

One book in another great series, Zoey always seems to find herself helping out magical creatures. While caterflies may be completely fictional, the way Zoey approaches her problem-solving is anything but. Readers learn how to think like scientists, ask questions, and learn about real topics.

Juvenile and Middle Grade Fiction

The Reindeer Girl by Holly Webb

Another fantastic fiction title that gives readers factual and interesting information! Young Lotta has always enjoyed her Norwegian great-grandmother’s stories. Somehow, one evening, she finds herself immersed in and actually living one of these stories, and she’s suddenly responsible and caring for reindeer. She always hoped for her own adventures, but never dreamed they would be quite like this.

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

Two main characters - Hazel and Jack - have always been best friends. As we all know, growing up means friendships change, and that transformation can be hard. The pair are now eleven years old, and while it’s common for boys and girls to go their own separate ways at this age, Hazel believes there is more to the story. While she searches for the answer, the two find themselves in a world of fantasy and fairy tales.

Young Adult

Into the Blizzard: Heroism at Sea During the Great Blizzard of 1978 [The Young Readers Adaptation] by Michael J. Tougias

In 1978 a massive blizzard struck New England with a force that has been unmatched since. During the storm a large oil tanker found itself in trouble and called for help. The heroes who rushed to meet them marched straight into the storm, and straight into danger. One book in a series of true rescue stories, this title will keep teens on the edge of their seats while teaching them a bit about history and the power of nature.

Icebound: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World by Andrea Pitzer

William Barents was a sixteenth-century Dutch explorer, who, along with his team, made multiple trips to the Arctic. One of these trips resulted in the crew losing their ship and being forced to spend an entire year attempting to survive on their own in an unforgiving landscape. A perfect pick for lovers of danger and adventure.

How to Encourage Joyful Readers

Proficient reading skills set our children up for success in so many ways. Cultivating a love of joyful reading provides them with a lifetime of inspiration, entertainment, and knowledge.

Do teachers teach kids to read? Of course. What parents do at home plays an enormous role in a child’s perspective and success. Here are our tips to support learning and make reading a positive experience that your child will carry with fondness throughout their lives.

Read to your child - early, often, and as long as they will let you

It’s never too early to begin reading to your child. Even infants benefit greatly from hearing the sound of our voices; listening to spoken language is one of the ways most children learn to speak and communicate with others. The tone of your voice also brings comfort, lends familiarity, and reading together daily can become a special part of a child’s routine.

As infants and toddlers begin to grow, board books are perfect because children can learn to turn the pages themselves without fear of accidentally tearing them. When you read to your child at this age, they will delight in the stories and your voice, but they will also begin to learn how to hold and use a book.

As your child gets older, the types of books you read to them will change, but we advocate for sticking with it as long as they are willing. Many families find they still read to their child into their preteen years and beyond. Even when children get to the point of complete reading independence, it’s still a treat to have someone tell us a story.

Be a reader yourself, and let your child see

For so many of us, reading takes on different roles in our lives at different times. You likely had a time in your life when you read for pleasure, though you may or may not do so now. Some parents would like to read more, but feel like they never have enough time.

Consider this a note of encouragement: you deserve the time to read for yourself. Books enrich our lives. They give us a healthy escape when we need one. They teach us and give us new perspectives.

Even if it’s just for ten minutes a day, carve out some time in your routine to read for yourself. Subtly or not, make sure your child knows you’re doing this. While the reading is for you, you may as well reap the benefits of your child seeing you as a reader. Our children look to us as models; we may as well become the people they need us to be by treating ourselves well.

Celebrate the diversity of books

There are heaps of incredible children’s books out there. You may have a few that hold a special place in your heart from your own childhood. You may want to explore current award winners with your child. There are many new titles that cover a vast array of current important topics. Go ahead and explore these all together. 

Yet another example of ‘follow the child’, your child will develop literary preferences. We think this is great! Find ways to support their book interests, while also introducing them to new authors, genres, and topics. The more they explore, the better.

Keep in mind this also means your child might be interested in books you would never choose for them! Whether you find yourself dreading yet another sparkle princess fairy book or fart-joke-heavy graphic novel, it’s good to find balance. Some books are like candy: it’s great to enjoy them as long as we fill our diet with other more nutrient-dense choices as well. We also believe that any book that makes a child excited to read is a good thing.

Visit your local library regularly

Some books are nice to have on your shelves at home, especially if you plan on rereading them over and over throughout the years. The truth is, however, children can become fairly voracious readers if we provide them with good materials. Regular trips to the library allow them to explore more books than we could ever keep in our homes.

Libraries also provide so much more than just books to borrow. Many have reading programs to encourage children, programming to get them involved with learning and creativity, and lots of other resources that support literacy and parenting. Every library is different, but they all work hard to serve their unique communities.

If you are able, a weekly visit to the library can become a special ritual you create with your child. Perhaps you go every Tuesday after school, or Saturdays before soccer practice. Whatever you decide, it’s something your child will look forward to, and can add to their list of positive associations with books and reading.  

Explore different ways to enjoy literature

Whether your child is a reluctant reader, pre-reader, is differently-abled, or not, audiobooks are a valuable resource. We often speak of the ways technology might level the playing field for everyone, and audiobooks are one option that allow more people to appreciate and engage with literature.

There are many ways to access audiobooks:

• CDs - Often expensive to purchase, these are often available at libraries.

• Stream - Using services like Audible, CloudLibrary, or Hoopla, folks can listen to audiobooks directly from their own devices.

• Playaways - Available at many libraries, these are standalone devices with a single audiobook recorded. All you need to do is plug in your headphones. 

We will leave you with one final thought: reading should be fun. If your child is resistant, there’s probably a good reason. Give them some time, explore other strategies, and ask their teacher for more tips. 

Wishing you all a lifetime of joyful reading!

What is Montessori? 5 Main Points

Pretty much anyone reading this article knows the answer to that question is not a simple one.

Are you new to Montessori? Have you found that anytime you ask the question you are amazed by the utter depth of the answers?

Have you had a child enrolled in Montessori for several years? Do people ask you to describe it and you find yourself unable to summarize it into a brief conversation?

You’re not alone. It’s challenging to squeeze an entire philosophy into a five-minute conversation.

Today, we’re giving it a try anyway, with what we feel are five main points that summarize the essence of Montessori education.

Montessori considers human development and aims to meet people where they are.

Human development lies at the core of Montessori. Dr. Montessori spent years observing children and their behaviors, noted their individuality and variety, then categorized and summarized typical growth patterns. She called these the planes of development, and they span across the first 24 years of life.

Does everyone develop at different rates? Of course. Are there patterns that are seen in the development of most children? Absolutely. By developing a deep understanding of human development Montessori was able to create an entire educational system that honored children’s needs at different times in their lives. From the age groupings to the materials used, the physical environment and the very manner in which lessons are presented: everything is intentional. Everything is about meeting the child where they are in order to best support their needs. 

Instead of delivering standardized information, Montessori hopes to guide students as they travel their path themselves.

You will never see a Montessori guide standing at a chalkboard at the front of a classroom lecturing students sitting in rows of desks.

In fact, you’ll never see a Montessori guide lecturing at all.

Is there a Montessori curriculum? Absolutely. Do modern Montessori schools take the time to ensure the curriculum continues to cover skills necessary for today’s students? They sure do. The major differences lie in the delivery of this curriculum.

Our youngest students (0-6) are taught almost exclusively via individual lessons. They each progress at their own pace, and while they are all working their way through the same materials and lessons, they don’t have the pressure of doing that at the same time as their peers. They also have the benefit of leaning into areas that interest them more deeply.

As our students get older, they do receive more group lessons, although the main driving factor for this approach is the older child’s need for peer connection. They still get to move at their individual pace, and they still get to explore areas that they feel particularly connected to.

Education should never be one-size-fits-all or even fits most. Our guides understand the importance of mastering critical skills, but they also know that there cannot be a forced timeline when it comes to getting the job done.

Independence, from the start, leads to confidence and excellence.

That subheading really says it all. Infants in Montessori programs are allowed and encouraged to move freely; they aren’t confined to cribs but rather lie safely on floor beds. Toddlers learn to dress themselves, take an active role in their toileting progress, and begin to learn how to care for their environment. The gradual release of independence continues through adolescence, with Montessori teens learning to run their own businesses.

We believe in the capabilities of young people. We honor and respect their abilities to do things by and for themselves. We support them as they work toward independence, and the results are astounding.

When you are trusted to be independent, you feel respected and confident. That sense of confidence builds on itself with each experience and develops children into adults who are not afraid to take appropriate risks because they know that they can achieve what they set out to do.

Social interactions are a critical part of our growth, and social learning deserves as much attention as academics.

‘Educating the whole child’ is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot. It’s an admirable goal - critical, even. The problem is, most modern educational systems don’t actually support teachers in achieving this goal.

Montessori does. We know that’s a bold claim. We wouldn’t make it if we didn’t believe it was absolutely true.

When educators or families transition from a conventional school to a Montessori school, one of the most stark differences is that of the daily schedule. Montessori school days are not rigid or organized by subject matter. They have long blocks of time that are flexible and able to be used for all kinds of learning. Sometimes this means a child spends an hour working on large multiplication problems. Other times it means they sit with a friend and a teacher and talk about mediation skills.

Social learning is not taught in isolation in our classrooms; it’s an underlying theme that runs throughout. We have the benefit of being able to truly teach in the moment, so when conflict arises, it can be approached as a learning opportunity.

Society stands to benefit from a system of education that teaches students about the universe as a whole, as well as the interconnectedness of everything on Earth.

The Montessori curriculum was very intentionally created to nurture compassionate and active community citizens. When we teach children, our goal isn’t to prepare them for the workforce (although we do that as well). Our goal is to prepare them for life.

We teach our students about the universe, about how life has changed on Earth over time, about how each individual organism plays a part in the delicate balance of our ecosystems. We teach children about the ancient history of early humans, with a focus on how they developed skills like writing and systems of mathematics. This appeals to their own development of the same skills, and gives them a reverence for the people who came before them. It also allows them to feel a deeper sense of where they fit into the big picture.

To close, we will leave you with one of our favorite quotes by Dr. Maria Montessori herself. This idea is one that drives us to do what we do each day, and a hope we know we share with all of you.

“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”

— Dr. Maria Montessori