"This is the path he follows. He learns without knowing he is learning it, and in doing so, he passes little by little from unconscious to the conscious, treading always in the little paths of joy and love. " Dr. Maria Montessori

Dr. Montessori, through her studies and observation of the young child concluded that the mind of the infant to age 6 years was the most absorbent time of the human mind. During this period, humans have a “special” opportunity to learn easily.

To support her theory, she brought together children ages 3 - 6 years old and placed them in a specially prepared environment. Table and chairs were child sized, real activities were offered such as cloth washing, sewing, preparing lunch, arithmetic, writing, learning about the world, languages and art. The materials were designed and crafted by Dr. Montessori and offered a rich learning experience for the students. Suddenly, through the exploration of the prepared environment and mentorship of the older students, the children were learning advanced concepts of their world. They were independent thinkers and problem solvers. This classroom became a “child community,” the teacher would direct the student, assist as needed, and lead the child to new concepts and greater independence. This is the “core” of the Primary classroom.

Toddler Program…

Meadowbrook Montessori School offers a Toddler Program for children between the ages of 12 months (walking) to 3 years. Children are accepted into the program on the basis of age and on the basis of parental commitment.

Primary Program…

Our Primary Program has children between the ages of 2 and a half and 6 with children typically entering the program at the the age of 3.

The Primary classroom is often referred to in Dr. Montessori's writings as the "Children's House."  The classroom becomes the children's community that serves as an aid to life.  Beyond the educational aspects, all components of the child's development are incorporated into the multi-age setting.  The classroom environment encourages respect and provides a context to practice grace and courtesy while interacting as a community.  The multi-age setting provides an invaluable opportunity to learn from older peers and solidify knowledge while guiding a younger friend.  Within a carefully prepared framework, children are given choices of work that respond to their individual and unique developmental needs.  The children are gradually given the freedom to make choices  as they demonstrate the self-discipline within the prepared environment.  The guide supports the children in connecting them to the materials in the classroom.  The children's work is divided into five categories in the classroom: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Culture, and Mathematics.  These five areas are designed to give the child keys to explore and discover the world around them.  We invite you to come to take a tour of the classroom to learn more about the classroom routine and materials.