The Montessori Approach

The Montessori objective is to help children reach their maximum learning potential while becoming well-balanced individuals who are able to cope with the emotional, social, and practical pressures of modern living. The essence of Montessori education is that a child is treated with respect, given freedom within limits, and thrives in a prepared environment to develop naturally. The school is open year-round for children ages 2 through 7. Under the direction of our dedicated staff, the school offers an enriching environment that effectively encourages students to develop and learn at their own pace in math, reading, science, social development, leadership, responsibility, and caring for the environment surrounded by many other learning activities.

Experience & Credentials

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Most of our dedicated teachers have been with us since the school’s foundation in the year 2000. All of our teachers and assistants have Early Childhood Development credentials. The lead teachers in each of our classrooms are Montessori trained.

Areas of Study

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Our four main areas of study are Language, Math, Sensorial and Practical Life Exercises. The program also includes the study of History, Geography, Science, Creative Expression and Social Skills Development. Concrete materials are used in these areas to enable the child to understand concepts introduced.

Linguistics
The child learns Oral Language naturally and advances through a prepared environment. Metal insets, sandpaper letter and wooden movable alphabets are a few of the materials used to assist the child to read phonetically. The child will develop a strong phonics and decoding skills, build vocabulary and comprehension skills besides developing lifelong habit of reading for pleasure.

Writing
To be able to write, the child must also develop a two-fold skill. He must commit to memory the shape of the letters and their corresponding sounds, plus develop muscular skill necessary for using the pencil with control.

Mathematics
The concept of numbers is introduced to the child at an early age by giving him/her the opportunity to learn through concrete materials such as number rods, cards and counters, and the spindle boxes.

Sensorial
Sensorial Exercises sharpen the senses of the young child and enable him/her to understand the many impressions he/she receives through them. Sensorial materials isolate defining qualities such as color, weight, shape, texture, size, sound and smell.

Practical: The purpose of the Practical Life Exercises is to make the child independent of the adult. The exercises include cutting, pouring, dressing themselves and keeping the environment in order. For more information on Montessori education in the early years we suggest you check out the Parent Guide to the Montessori Classroom at www.parentchildpress.com

Free Vision & Hearing Test

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The school proudly provides a free annual hearing test and vision screening for all the children enrolled.

Flintridge Montessori Preschool Graduation Concert