A Montessori education will provide your child with an environment to learn and develop skills that last a lifetime. The Montessori classroom accommodates all learning styles and helps students develop into self-directed and lifelong learners. Each student is given uninterrupted time to concentrate on a task until true mastery is achieved. Once a student has mastered a concept he or she can move unhindered to the next level. The unique design of the Montessori classroom provides each student with an individualized learning path that is both challenging and engaging. If you believe that this type of education is a good fit for your child then the next step is to learn where you can find a Montessori school, what you can expect in the Montessori classroom, and how to choose the right campus for your child.

Where can I find a Montessori school?

You can find Montessori schools in at least 110 countries all over the world. The woman who started this philosophy of education was an Italian physician named Maria Montessori. Her success with children who were considered ‘unteachable’ caught the attention of parents and educators around the world. Throughout her career, Montessori continued to work with students and further develop her method. For over a century, there have been schools all over the world providing students with a Montessori education. It is important to note that not all programs that label themselves as Montessori are the same. The use of the Montessori name is not regulated which means that there may be programs labeled as such that do not adhere closely to the tenants of the Montessori Method. As you learn more about what a true Montessori education entails you will be able to identify which programs align with type of education you want for your child.

What should I expect in the Montessori classroom?

The Montessori classroom is designed much differently than the traditional classroom. Students are given a number of different learning options to choose from each day. They get the opportunity to work at a learning station uninterrupted for large chunks of time. This allows students to learn how to concentrate, develop independence, and deeply explore their areas of interest. The students in the Montessori classroom are also expected to care for themselves, care for their environment, and to be active participants in solving any problems they encounter. These core tenants should be present in any classroom that is properly adhering to the Montessori Method.

How do I choose the right campus for my child?

The first consideration in choosing the right Montessori school for your child is location. What Montessori schools are close to your home? If you live in Northern California, Fountainhead Montessori School has campuses in Livermore, Orinda, Dublin, and Danville. But, location is not the only factor to take into account. Once you have determined which options are nearby the next step is to schedule a campus visit. Visiting the campus and observing a class will provide you with a much deeper understanding of what to expect from a particular school and if that school is truly following the Montessori philosophy of education.     

A Montessori school will provide your child with a challenging and engaging education. You should not have any trouble finding options for a Montessori education in Northern California. It is important to remember that every school is different. Visiting campus and observing a class at the schools you are considering will help you narrow down the options and choose the Montessori school that is the best fit for your child.