About Us
The Montessori method of education was created by Dr. Maria Montessori, Italy’s first woman physician. Early in the 20th century, Dr. Montessori developed her educational concepts and tested them at a center in Rome.
Dr. Montessori cherished the uniqueness of each child and discovered that children learn best within environments that support individual development. She found that when children are in a home-like setting filled with developmentally appropriate materials, they become independent self-motivated learners.
The Primary goal of a Montessori program is to help each child reach his or her full potential. The “whole child” approach taken by Dr. Maria Montessori fosters growth in all areas because the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs of a child are seen as inseparable. This approach encourages joy of learning and development of self-esteem.
In a Montessori classroom, learning occurs in an inquiring, cooperative atmosphere. Social interaction among the children is encouraged, thereby promoting peer teaching and cooperative learning.
A nurturing environment is fostered in the classroom, providing children with a physically and psychologically safe place for learning.
Montessori students of mixed ages are together in the classroom. They are guided to create their own personal learning plans, choosing from the diverse materials, activities, and experiences available to them. They are allowed a large block of time for the individual work period. Their experiences as Montessori students promote respect for themselves, others, and their environment.
Our Philosophy
Countryside Montessori School is dedicated to the development of children in their early formative years. The approach to the child is based upon the educational philosophy and method established by Dr. Maria Montessori and developed over the years by Montessori teachers in America. A basic principle of the Montessori philosophy is awareness and respect for the individuality of the child. The prepared environment of the Montessori classroom has a wide range of materials and exercises that were developed specifically for the young child in the areas of practical life, sensorial, mathematics, language, geography, and science. The materials and exercises are readily available to the child in the classroom, and direction is provided for each child by means of the individual and group lessons given by the Montessori teacher. Lessons in music and art are also included. Each day, weather permitting, the children are outside for a period of free play.
Mission Statement
Countryside Montessori School is dedicated to the education of the whole child. Our goal is to meet each individual child’s need for intellectual, physical, social and emotional development.
Our learning environment is designed to cultivate independence, individual responsibility, freedom of choice, concentration, problem-solving abilities, social interaction, competency in basic skills and a love of learning.
By offering a superb Montessori education in a nurturing environment, Countryside strives to help children reach their full potential and become independent, life long learners.