Why Montessori?

Montessori is a comprehensive educational approach from birth to adulthood based on the observation of children’s needs in a variety of cultures all around the world. Beginning her work almost a century ago, Dr. Maria Montessori (pronounced MON-tuh-SORE-ee) developed this educational approach based on her understanding of children’s natural learning tendencies as they unfold in “prepared environments” for multi-age groups (0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, and 12-14).

A young girl with curly blonde hair sitting on the floor next to cubbies with storage bins in a bright room.

The Montessori Difference

The Montessori environment contains specially designed, manipulative “materials for development” that invite children to engage in learning activities of their own individual choice. Under the guidance of a trained teacher, children in a Montessori classroom learn by making discoveries with the materials, cultivating concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning.

Montessori Around the World

Today, Montessori schools are found worldwide, serving children from birth through adolescence. In the United States, there are more than 4,000 private Montessori schools and more than 200 public schools with Montessori-styled programs. The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), founded by Maria Montessori in 1929, maintains Montessori educational principles and disseminates Montessori education throughout the world.

Is Montessori Right for Your Family?

A woman and a small child on a wooden porch, with the woman reaching out to the child. The woman is smiling and wearing a striped dress, while the child is wearing yellow rain boots and a patterned shirt. There is a small wooden chair inside the house near the doorway, and greenery is visible outside.

Send Us Your Questions

Ask our Director the questions on your family’s mind about Mountain Pathways School.

A group of children walking in a line through a wooden gate into a rustic outdoor setting, led by an adult woman.

Tour the School

See the classrooms in action. Imagine your child here with a school tour.