Over three decades ago a group of thirteen local families in search of improved educational opportunities met to learn the theory behind the Montessori method of education. After being introduced to the Montessori Philosophy, they were so excited they founded South Suburban Montessori School in March of 1970. They hired a teacher and a director, bought supplies, and made their own furniture in preparation for the beginning of school the following September.
The first class was held in one of the classrooms of an independent primary school, which remained home to the fledgling school for a year and a half. Within this short time frame the school's growth made it necessary to seek a larger facility. Suitable space was found at the Methodist Church in Seven Hills where the school continued to grow for another six years. When one of the newer dormitories at Blossom Hill, formerly a girls' school campus, became available, South Suburban Montessori School moved once more and began remodeling to suit the special requirements of their young students.
36 years later South Suburban Montessori School continues their quest to develop the person each child carries within. We visited recently with the Head of School and Para-Professional Joann Fox, and listened as they described the Montessori experience;
Montessori is a philosophy with the fundamental tenet that a child learns best within a social environment which supports each individual's unique development. Dr. Maria Montessori, the creator of what is called "The Montessori Method of Education," based this new method on her scientific observations of young children's behavior. As the first woman physician to graduate from the University of Rome, Dr. Montessori became involved with education as a doctor treating children labeled as retarded. In 1907 she was invited to open a child care center for the children of desperately poor families in the San Lorenzo slums of Rome. Her new center, named "The Children's House," was based on her observations that young children learn best in a home-like setting, filled with developmentally appropriate materials that provide experiences contributing to the growth of self-motivated, independent learners.
South Suburban Montessori School educates children from 18 months to 12 years of age. The multi-age groupings are: The Toddler Classroom, 18 months to 3 years; The Children's House, ages 3 to 6 years; The Lower Elementary, ages 6 to 9 years; and The Upper Elementary for children from 9 to 12 years of age. Our mission is to foster a Montessori educational environment conducive to developing each child's unique qualities and abilities for a lifetime of independent, creative thinking and learning with personal responsibility in the global community. We seek harmony through diversity, and do not discriminate in the areas of admissions, employment, educational programs, tuition, and school activities.
Our classrooms provide a scientifically designed environment, which includes developmental learning materials and activities that are sequential and meant to be experienced over a three year cycle and not in individual successive one year capsules. The classrooms are child centered compared to adult centered classrooms in the traditional setting. A trained certified director or directress is an integral component of a well functioning prepared environment. Children are allowed the freedom of choice, of movement, and learn respect for self and for others, which all aids in the process of self-construction.
Multi-aged Montessori classrooms offer an inherent motivator for the children to constantly challenge themselves. Younger children have models for emulation and older children have the opportunity to reinforce their knowledge by helping the younger ones while developing confidence, independence, and leadership. Each child has the opportunity to experience being the youngest, middle, and oldest member of the group. Children are encouraged to progress at their own pace and level of understanding. Their progress is measured against their own ability and not that of others. The Montessori classroom is able to adapt to the individual needs of each child and offers diversity, stimulation, and the opportunity to develop the person within the child.
The Montessori Method refers to a psychologically-rooted approach to assisting the child in developing self-awareness, a positive self-image, and self-confidence through a program of graduated sensorial, practical-life, math, language, music, science, and art materials with accompanying tasks geared to his or her developmental needs. Uniquely designed learning materials with built-in "control of error" enable the child to discover for themselves the nature and qualities of things, persons, and relationships in their environment.
Studies show that Montessori children adjust well and are often among the better students. They spend their time more productively, are self-directed with a positive attitude toward learning, and are able to socialize effectively due to the benefit of the multi-age aspect of the classrooms and the respect that has been cultivated for self and others.
South Suburban Montessori School hosts four open houses throughout the school year. Parents interested in learning more about South Suburban Montessori School are encouraged to attend, visit with our teachers, tour the classrooms, and learn more about this remarkably effective method of education.
South Suburban Montessori School believes the goal of early education should be the cultivation of the child's own natural desire to learn. Call or stop by South Suburban Montessori School today, and don't forget to tell them The Advocate sent you!
