The Montessori philosophy was developed by Dr. Montessori in response to her observation of children, the research of psychologists, doctors, her own experience, and her beliefs about the potential of the human race. Three dominate aspects prevail in the philosophy:
- Montessori believed that children have a natural inclination to grow and develop, and that they mainly need the opportunity, expectation, and permission to let these natural inclinations develop.
- Montessori believed that all information should be presented so that children might discover the interrelationship of concepts. Every Montessori director/directress emphasizes this interrelatedness so that children will not experience their education as covering a series of unrelated subjects but as a continual unfolding of how their world works and makes sense.
- Montessori believed that just as all information is interrelated, so also are members of the human race. She believed that all people and countries should realize their financial and political interdependence. This realization will be the key to world peace. Montessori believed that educators have a responsibility to foster this realization in those who offer the only real hope for the future of civilization — the children.
The purpose of Alexandria Montessori School is to involve children
in a unique educational program based upon the research and philosophy of Dr.
Maria Montessori. This program has been built on systematic observations of the
learning behavior of children, including their interests, styles and ability to
retain information. Resulting from this observation, the Montessori method has
as its goal to create a special physical and psychological environment in which
the student is expected to develop both intellectually and socially. Our goals
are to have students not only learn basic skills and information but also
develop the ability and motivation to work independently and cooperatively.