Philosophy
Village Montessori School’s fundamental philosophy is respect: respect for the child, the adult, the classroom, the school, and the Earth.Montessori educational methods are designed to foster independence, critical thinking, perseverance, self-discipline and self-direction, as well as to promote order, organization and the development of responsibility. Montessori education enhances a child’s self-confidence. The child’s natural curiosity is observed and nurtured, creating a love of learning.Montessori believed the mission of the teacher was to prepare a child oriented environment and observe each child’s natural tendencies. The child is allowed freedom within this prepared environment to follow those innate tendencies along the natural path of development. Individualized instruction allows the teacher to meet each child’s needs at her own level of development or interest.
Vision
Our vision is to be a place for the evolution of the human being.In the true spirit of Maria Montessori’s deepest beliefs about education, Village Montessori School aspires to nothing less than to be a site for the evolution of the human being, individually and collectively. We believe that the best education is one that develops a reflective relationship with the defining issues and values of human life. Perhaps most importantly, it means introducing the power of cooperation and collaboration as a means for handling life’s vicissitudes and creating genuine pathways of peace. Our aspirations represent the culmination of the Montessori method from the concrete “hands on” to the abstract and back again. This defining pedagogy helps us to set our sights high as we go about the work of directing the child. Please take the time to understand all of your options and then see if your vision aligns with ours.
Principles
Below is a list of the principles Village Montessori School is based on. They are summarized from the AMI Montessori website.
1.The objectives of the AMI Montessori Association are to uphold, propagate and further the pedagogical principles and practice formulated by Dr. Maria Montessori for the full development of the human being.
2. Montessori mission upholds the rights of the child in a society
3. We are here to help the child to develop naturally in the family, school and society
4. Our goal is to awaken public opinion with regard to the moral dignity of the child as ‘the Father of Man’
5. We have a vision to ensure the independence of the child’s personality through successive stages of growth until he reaches full normal development by means of his own activity
6. We are here to provide opportunities wherever possible for children to develop normally, thereby helping all adults to enter into a new life of harmony and co-operation and peace
7. Our global function as a social movement is to strive to obtain recognition for the rights of the child throughout the world, irrespective of race, religion, political and social belief.