The Montessori Difference

Parents choose to send their children to a Montessori Primary School for many reasons. Most are demonstrating a real concern for their childrens education, and their choice is based on a belief in the Montessori Principles and a trust these will meet their own and their childrens needs.

Some parents have chosen Montessori Education only because they believe it will give their children a head start for state school education. Each year, therefore, a few children are withdrawn just as they are beginning to unfold as young leaders, beginning readers and budding mathematicians.

The school recognizes that there are circumstances that force parents to withdraw their children a sudden financial crisis, impossible transportation problems, a childs special problem, etc. But longrange goals need to be weighed against immediate advantages. The sudden freedom from paying fees and daily travelling are very obvious advantages, but the more subtle benefits of being part of a Montessori classroom should not be overlooked. If young people are to meet the challenges of the future, it is imperative that their education develops their potential for creativity, initiative, independence, inner discipline and selfconfidence. This is the central focus of a Montessori education.

More specifically, the approach to "work" (physical and mental activity freely chosen and enjoyed), the belief in the interdependence of man with nature, the recognition of the parents legitimate role in a childs education, and the emphasis on the development of a positive selfimage through meaningful activities, provide the means by which children will grow into young adults eager to contribute to society and their own development.