Dr Maria Montessori - 1870 - 1952

Without doubt Maria was a woman ahead of her time and is still a leader in the field of education. At thirteen, against the wishes of her father but with the support of her mother, she began to attend a boys' technical school. After seven years of engineering she began pre-med and, in 1896 became a physician. In her work at the University of Rome psychiatric clinic Dr. Montessori developed an interest in the treatment of special needs children and, for several years, she worked, wrote, and spoke on their behalf. She later had the opportunity to work with normal children and her observation and subsequent discoveries led her to believe:

• That each child is born with a unique potential to be revealed, rather than as a "blank slate" waiting to be written upon. Her main contributions to the work of those of us raising and educating children are in these areas:
• Preparing the most natural and life-supporting environments for the child
• Observing the child living freely in this environment
• Continually adapting the environment in order that the chid may fulfil his or her greatest potential, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

"Supposing I said there was a planet without schools or teachers, where study was unknown, and yet the inhabitants-doing nothing but living and walking about-came to know all things, to carry in their minds the whole of learning; would you not think I was romancing? Well, just this, which seems so fanciful as to be nothing but the invention of a fertile imagination, is a reality. It is the child's way of learning. This is the path he follows. He learns everything without knowing he is learning it, and in doing so he passes little by little from the unconscious to the conscious, treading always in the paths of joy and love.
   - Dr. Maria Montessori, MD

On the 6th January 1907 Dr. Maria Montessori opened the first Casa dei Bambini in San Lorenzo to date there are over ten thousand schools around the world Practicing the Montessori philosophy - We embrace the opportunity to continue to fulfil Montessori's core mission: 

To place all the children in our world at the centre of society and to assist them in becoming the transforming elements leading to a harmonious and peaceful humanity.

Mario Montessori - 1898 - 1982

The Only son of Maria Montessori He is remembered as a shy but interesting man with a passionate love for life and loves, all of which were nothing compared to his love for his mother and her work. He loved children especially tiny babies whom he called miracle makers, Mario continued to work in the field of education after the passing of his mother. His contribution to the Montessori method of education he describes as "Love, Science and Spirituality" is valued and treasured by all Montessorians. The following is an excerpt from Portrait of Mario Montessori written by his daughter - Marilena Henny - Montessori

"...By his understanding, his enthusiasm and belief in the significance of her cosmic vision for the development of mankind, he became a pillar of her work. He continued her fight after she died. Against all odds, all struggles for power, all intrigues, he continued the fight for the child - the child, father of man. Mario Montessori, my father, was an extraordinary man."

Montessori Work

In a Montessori environment the interaction between child and material is termed as "work" because this is the process through which a child acquires knowledge and skills to perform his task. A Child's task is to become an adult (there is no choice) for this purpose he/she is bestowed with childhood which is the tool that enables this process to take place spontaneously. At birth and in the early years of development child has not the capacity to choose what he or she learns, simply absorbing what ever is present in their environment. This ensures the continuation of a culture and community. Montessori work allows children the experiences and develop the necessary social, emotional and intellectual skills that support and reflect the aptitude of modern human society and the honourable qualities of human life. It is termed work instead of play as it targets the development of disciplined thought processes, concentration, focus and curiosity through dynamic interaction with the materials.

Structured Environment

The Montessori philosophy offers a structured environment this simply means to everything a place and a place for everything materials are displayed at age appropriate levels allowing the child ease of access of equipment for the choice and repetition of activities. Developing independence in self education and a love of learning with respect for the purpose of the equipment.

The Montessori Parent

Parents as the primary caregivers in a Child's life a strong partnership between us is vital. In order that the centre and the parent work together for the benefit of the child it is important that parents acquaint themselves with the program and spend time at the centre. We value every offer of help in the total education of the "whole child," your child