Maria Montessori and her method
Born in Italy in 1870, Maria Montessori was the first woman to graduate from medical school in that country. Her unique observations in child development prompted her to design an innovative approach to education that is now used in nearly 5,000 schools across the United States and almost 35,000 schools worldwide.
Learning how to learn
Central to Dr. Montessori's approach is the idea that, given the appropriate tools and guidance, children will educate themselves. Accordingly, Gladwyne Montessori School's classrooms offer students a "prepared environment" filled with unique Montessori Montessori learning materials
designed to encourage independent exploration and discovery. By manipulating these materials, students gain a hands-on learning experience that allows them to absorb increasingly complex and abstract concepts.
Learning responsibility
As they learn about the world around them, students also gain critical social skills and a sense of independence. They are treated with respect by the faculty and staff and they learn to return that respect. They learn that taking materials and returning them neatly to the shelf is a key part of the learning process. Older students assist younger ones with their assignments. And as they work together, they learn how to share, communicate and cooperate with each other.