Mariposa Montessori Approach

Mariposa preschool educators align their mixed-age classrooms to our curriculum and core values, yet adjust their approach and style to their unique classroom and to each individual child. Mariposa focuses on Montessori-style learning through the use of Montessori materials and practical applications, social emotional understanding and growth, aspects of STEM including science and a robust focus on math, writing and reading, art, music, yoga and mindfulness, and more. Our preschool educators are in tune with developing strong, caring individuals who become life long learners with a focus on being creative and cultured global citizens, compassionate friends, and academically strong students.

Mariposa Montessori’s long tenured teachers, engaging Montessori materials, beautiful indoor and outdoor campus, diversity, and strong community help to foster student growth. Students enjoy growing with the Montessori method during regular work time, and have opportunities to explore art, gardening and science projects, and other engaged materials in our outdoor learning environments. Additionally, Mariposa Montessori believes in a well-rounded child, offering yoga, art, and music as part of our core curriculum, with the option to participate in enrichment programs such as foreign languages, movement and dance, sports, creative arts, and additional science topics.

Montessori Method: 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

Weekly Music & Movement class with Ms. Josina from Golden Acorn Music exposes the children to wonderful music from around the world. Children explore different musical instruments each week. We also offer a weekly Yoga class on Fridays with Ms. Nazanine of Nazanine Yoga, making mindfulness and good health a part of our engaging curriculum.

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