Is a philosophy of education named for its founder, Dr. Maria Montessori. The primary goal is to provide an environment in which children are able to develop to their fullest potential, at an individual pace. The environment is pleasant, orderly, and clean. The items in it, are challenging and purposeful; and nurture their natural curiosity.

Self Discipline, Independence, Intellectual Growth, Problem Solving, Social Skills, Inner Organization, Cultural Awareness, Joy in purposeful activity, Respect for self, others, and the environment.

"It is the spirit of the child that can determine the course of human progress and lead it perhaps even to a higher form of civilization."

Influenced greatly by French physician E. Seguin, Dr. Maria Montessori researched to discover the mystery of childhood; to unveil the secrets hidden within the complex minds of simple children. Motivated by her success with mentally deviant or deficient children, she went on to apply her methods to children with standard mental capacities...And thus began the turning of the key, that would unlock the psyche of truly miraculous beings - our children. She met with both skepticism and criticism, as well as enthusiasm and praise for her unorthodox and sometimes strict methods, however she gained great respect for her achievements in the marked improvements shown by both normal and abnormal children under her instruction. Today her ideas are well known and practiced all over the world.

Dr. Montessori felt that the education of the child should start at the moment of birth. And with this belief, she built her methodology upon the foundation of three fundamental principles - observation, individual liberty, and preparation of the environment - the latter being predominantly crucial as she strongly believed in the controlling of the environment, rather than that of the child. She created an atmosphere which encompassed both freedom and structure, so that the children were allowed to choose their work, as their own inner force guided them through "sensitive periods", wherein the child's interests, or the activities that they would choose to work with at certain points, would therefore be in harmony with what kind of stimulation and experiences they needed, at their own personal developmental level. Through this style of classroom set-up, she was then able to stand back and observe. This technique was also very beneficial in the sense that the children were not stifled, nor were they pushed past the limitations of their special and unique development. Maria stated that only when we have an understanding of the child's needs, can we begin to learn how to prepare ourselves to enable, rather than hinder a child's mental, physical and spiritual growth.

Maria Montessori went on to help others to understand the mind and soul of the child as a delicate and spiritual being. One who must be 'guided' by his surroundings so as to acclimate himself to life, the universe and everything. Through her life and works, countless lectures and six published books, she has revealed to the world the source of knowledge and understanding of the child so that we may help him, to create himself into a graceful, disciplined, productive and wholly sound entity.

In 1949 Dr. Maria M. Montessori received the Cross of the Legion of Honor in France, and one year later was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Two years later, in Noordwijk, Netherlands on May 6, 1952, Maria Montessori died. Instilling on the world an impression that may someday save the world "within the child lies the fate of the future".