A Day at Mariposa

The guiding principles of Montessori education are grounded in over one hundred years of work with children around the world, since the opening of the first Montessori school – Casa Dei Bambini, or Children’s House – in Rome in 1907. The pedagogy is based on the work of Dr. Maria Montessori, an acclaimed Italian physician, educator and innovator, whose research and its implementation is based on the way children naturally learn. 

Montessori methodology reframes the adult/child relationship and places the child at the center of his/her own learning. True to this perspective, Montessori teachers are referred to as “Guides” as they “guide” the children to reach their highest potential, respecting them as separate and unique individuals. 

The implementation of the Montessori pedagogy is achieved through the “Prepared Environment” – a functional platform of every classroom. The child’s need changes as she/he moves through developmental stages. As such the classroom environment is prepared, in every way, to optimize each child’s holistic development - physical, cognitive, social, and emotional. This unique Montessori prepared environment:

Reduces children’s dependence on the adult, liberating their limitless energy for growth

  • Promotes exploration through variety of activities for meaningful engagement through interactive materials

  • Enables learning to be a self-directed process of problem-solving and discovery

  • Fosters imagination and creativity at every stage of learning through open-ended activities

  • Allows for freedom of choice and independence within clear, firm and practical boundaries with logical consequences

The Montessori-trained adult’s specialized training focuses on knowledge of the child’s developmental needs, the purpose and use of each piece of material in the classroom, and a deep understanding of means to foster social harmony in the classroom and respect for every individual in it.

“Between my two older children, we have tried 7 different preschool facilities and hands down - we recommend Mariposa Montessori over them all! Mariposa’s teachers are kind, dedicated and professional. The director is focused and experienced, and together with the Board they are spot on with the improvements required to address the evolving needs of the school and community. The teaching system is Montessori style, the classrooms are bright and clean, the school has several outdoor play areas, and most importantly, the kids are happy. What else could a parent wish for when leaving their precious child in someone’s care?”
— Mehrdad

Sample Daily Program

9:03 - 9:15 AM Drop-off

9:15 - 10:30 AM  Classroom Time (individual lessons, small group sessions & independent work)

10:30 - 11:30 AM    Outside Free Play

11:30 - 11:45 AM     Circle Time (theme, calendar, songs, stories, sharing, and movement)

11:45 - 12:00 PM Preparation for lunch

12:00 - 12:45 PM Lunch

12:45 - 1:00 PM Story Time / Music Time

1:00 - 1:45 PM Group Lessons / Outside Learning Area

1:15 - 1:30 PM Dismissal for Toddlers

1:45 - 2:15 PM Extended work period (Primary)

2:15 - 2:30 PM Dismissal for Primary

2:30 - 4:00 PM Enrichment Program Aftercare Program  

Early Drop-off

Mariposa offers an Early Drop-off option between the hours of 8:15 – 9:00 AM. Families can select a 2-day, 3-day, or 5-day option. Occasional drop-off, on an as needed basis, is also available with at least 24-hour notice.

The early drop-off room provides a calm and nurturing place for the children in the morning and, as it replicates the regular Montessori environment, allows for seamless transition to their classrooms once the school day begins.  Due to COVID related restrictions Early Drop Off care is provided in the child’s regular classroom.