The Northwoods Montessori Philosophy

A Commitment to Child-Based Learning

At Northwoods Montessori, we like to say that our purpose is “To provide a foundation for life-long learning that enhances personal integration and understanding of interdependence.”

We structure all of our programs to support child-based learning — that is, learning based upon direct observations of young children. Dr. Montessori’s study and research led her to conclude that childrens’ intellectual and spiritual growth progress best in an environment of community and self-discovery. Therefore we offer — as she did — distinct educational programs that align with your child’s individual needs and learning tendencies. Our programs combine brain-based educational theory, unique instructional materials, Montessori philosophy, and a keen understanding of developmental stages to educate and delight students from ages 12 months to 12 years of age.

At our Atlanta campus, Montessori-trained instructors work individually with each child to develop natural learning skills, cognitive development, and emotional growth through the use of independent learning and exploration. At each level, children are connected to nature, where what they learn applies in a way that makes the environment come to life with a vivid awareness. Child-based learning implies a connection to the natural environment as every child’s birthright. Whether it is a walk in the rain or a primitive camping expedition, we make every effort to prepare the child with all the experiences that will make the natural outing a learning success. 

A Tiny Montessori History Lesson

Dr. Maria Montessori developed her ground-breaking educational standards — the Montessori Method — in Italy in the early 20th century. She founded The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) in 1929. Based in the Netherlands, AMI has since been the agency for accredited teacher training and for school recognition, based on Dr. Montessori’s scrupulous standards. In the U.S., AMI is represented by AMI/USA. Click below for more Montessori resources.

This represents just a small sampling of the many books about the Montessori method of education.

Montessori Today, by Paula Polk Lillard, 1997, Shocken Books
Montessori Insights for Parents of Young Children, by Aline D. Wolf, 2005, Parent Child Press, Inc.
Montessori, The Science Behind the Genius, by Angeline Stoll Lillard, 2005, Oxford University Press
The Montessori Method, by Maria Montessori, 1909
Peace and Education, by Maria Montessori, 1932
The Child in the Family, by Maria Montessori, 1936
The Discovery of the Child, by Maria Montessori, 1948
The Absorbent Mind, by Maria Montessori, 1949

Association Montessori Internationale, founded in 1929 by Dr. Maria Montessori
The Michael Olaf Montessori Company provides practical advice for using Montessori philosophy in all kinds of settings. Since 1982 it has been a favorite source. The Michael Olaf publications are available to be read online as well as ordered.
Aid To Life is a treasure trove of advice and information for parents that supports natural child development and the Montessori philosophy.
North American Montessori Teachers’ Association
Montessori Institute of Atlanta for Elementary teacher training and other program information.

The Montessori Curriculum: Lifelong Learning and Interdependence

Children enrolled in Northwoods Montessori follow a curriculum designed to emphasize relationships, development, and learning under Dr. Montessori’s directive to “Follow the child, but follow the child as his leader.” Instead of subject areas, children are offered learning experiences that support natural brain development and answer their physical, spiritual, and intellectual needs. The Montessori curriculum maintains unique learning environments for each age level to encourage the advancement of their skills.

Children acquiring a Montessori education are encouraged to pursue individual goals and develop self-awareness, determination, and self-control. At each age level, children engage in communication about the natural world and explore art and music. Engaging stories provide each child with an awareness of geography and fellow human beings.
In the Montessori curriculum, areas of study such as language, math, geometry, geography, and history are presented in a social setting made up of children of multiple ages in an ungraded class. Our class sizes instill a sense of social responsibility, fairness and kindness. The Montessori Method is notable in encouraging children to treat themselves and others with respect by learning in an atmosphere that allows them to freely communicate.

Principles of Montessori Education

Faculty members at Northwoods Montessori are required to follow the Association Montessori Internationale standards of teaching. This creates effective, innovative educational programs and a work environment with a strong sense of support. Teachers following the Montessori curriculum are given the autonomy to creatively implement lesson plans using the Montessori Method. Each teacher is prepared to observe a child’s explorations and to offer learning exercises, encouraging the children to pursue their distinctive interests.