Developing the child’s sense of self

The primary goal of Montessori education is to help children reach their full potential: where education is viewed not just as a means to an end, but as an aid to life; where the method for learning comes not from a curriculum, but from the natural development of the child; a place where creativity, innovation, and individuality are valued as much as concentration, motivation, and persistence; where your child is not just a student, but also a teacher.

Montessori education involves free activity within a "prepared environment", meaning an educational environment tailored to basic human characteristics of children at different ages and to their individual personalities at specific milestones during their developmental stages. The function of the environment is to help and allow the child to develop independence in all areas according to his or her inner psychological directives.

In addition to offering access to the Montessori materials appropriate to the age of the children, an optimum “prepared environment” exhibits the following characteristics:

• Classroom arrangement that facilitates order, movement and activity

• Beauty and harmony, cleanliness of environment

• Construction in proportion to the child and her/his needs

• Limitation of materials, so that only material that supports the child's development is included

• Nature in and outside of the classroom

At Mariposa Montessori we strive to create a learning opportunity where your child will build the foundation for every future educational experience, and more importantly, a framework for a happy and meaningful life. We hope to nurture the development of life-long learners who are:

• Joyful, self-motivated, enthusiastic students

• Better socialized and able to solve their conflicts

• Fluent readers who are also able to understand mathematical concepts

• In possession of natural self-esteem

• Courteous, compassionate, and respectful in their interactions

For further information on the Montessori Method, please visit American Montessori International/USA and American Montessori Society.