At the White Mountain Montessori Schools, we have created a Montessori environment in which children can develop themselves independently using didactic (self-correcting) materials.  The Montessori Teacher acts as a guide for the child, giving presentations of the materials and allowing the child to repeat the exercise at the direction of their urgings.  These urges to manipulate the environment and work with the materials are the result of the child's sensitive periods of development, during which the child is attracted to certain activities above all others.  Your child will have the freedom to follow this inner direction, with the Montessori Teacher always aware of the growth and development that is occurring, and providing your child with the next level of work which can further aid in their development.  The Teacher also helps the child learn to respect the  work of others while enjoying conversation and freedom of movement in the classroom.  Children love Montessori because they are loved and respected for being unique individuals in the process of constructing themselves.

Montessori offers a complete educational program for even the youngest child, and the lessons are presented in ways that allow the child to absorb the knowledge effortlessly as part of his natural development.  Every child has one-on-one lessons and interaction with others throughout the day.

The Montessori prepared environment has a full range of materials; including the Exercises of Practical Life, the Sensorial Apparatus, Language Exercises, Mathematics Exercises, and work in cultural areas including geography, science, art, music, biology, and botany.

According to Dr. Maria Montessori, it is the duty of the Montessori Teacher to see that "the environment is treated with respect, and to cultivate an approach which conveys the impression of communal ownership and a familiarity of careful usage."  When accidents happen, they provide the opportunity of introducing living techniques--such as how to avoid spilling water, or how to do things quietly and correctly without disturbing your neighbor.  Manners, habits, and customs are demonstrated with great patience, kindness and love.

Parents are welcome to observe our classroom, and may make an appointment to do so.  Observers will be given guidelines for observing a Montessori classroom.  We will conduct periodic parent conferences, educational meetings, and will inform parents about Montessori.  Overview courses may be held the year.  We also encourage parents to borrow books and tapes from our Montessori library, which will grow as the school grows.  You may find that you want to implement some of Dr. Montessori's philosophies and practices into your family life as well.  We have a partnership with parents in raising joyful children with healthy personalities and love of learning which will last a lifetime.  The child is the most important member of society--the  representative of the future, and our promise for peace.

Again, welcome to White Mountain Montessori Schools.