To stimulate life, leaving it free, however, to unfold itself … that is the first duty of the educator.
-Maria Montessori
Our Mission
Forest Hills Montessori fosters a love of learning and nurtures each child in a peaceful, caring and enriched environment. We teach the child to respect themselves and others. We are a community of school and families united by the Montessori philosophy which encourages open communication, trust, and support.
Benefits of a Montessori education
1. Science Based Methodology
The Montessori curriculum is based on scientific fact and the scientific method. Dr. Maria Montessori was a scientist and a medical doctor. Every aspect of her educational principles is based on her personal observations, experiments, and direct study of the child. Both contemporary psychology and pedagogy validate her methodology.
2. Mixed Age Groupings
Each class is comprised of children of multiple ages. This allows for peer teaching, broad social interactions, individual differences in learning style and pace, and creates a social community of family. It provides the youngest students with role models and the older students with peer teaching opportunities for reinforcement of learning.
3. Individualized Instruction
Each child is valued as a unique individual. Montessori is science-based education that has long recognized children learn in different ways. It is therefore structured to accommodate all learning styles. Each child learns and develops at their own pace using materials and lessons introduced by trained staff. The integrated curriculum is introduced sequentially and at the developmental level of each individual child, allowing every child to work to capacity and at their ability level.
4. Child Directed Program
Within the structure of the classroom and curriculum, children are encouraged to pursue their interests, make responsible choices for themselves and direct themselves to constructive activities. Since children’s interests vary, this opportunity results in an independent, self-motivated learner. Children are never pushed to work; on the contrary, they are excited to move forward through the curriculum by their own innate desire to learn.
5. Prepared Environment
The school environment is prepared with a variety of specially designed Montessori materials that are multi-sensory, sequential, and self-correcting. Educational materials are carefully selected to meet the needs of a range of students in each class, covering up to three years of academic and developmental stages. Outdoor playtime is also considered an essential part of the school environment.
6. Educated Staff
In addition to background and experience in early childhood education, educators receive specialized training in the Montessori Method. The course of study includes educational philosophy, academic training in the curricula areas, early childhood development, classroom management, and use of materials for individual lessons.