Montessori tradition

Maria Montessori was born in Italy in 1870. Following her studies in medicine she used her training in clinical and scientific observation to develop an approach to education that was to become known as the Montessori Method.

The Montessori philosophy of education is highly regarded and widely recognised.

Maria Montessori felt that the objective of early childhood education should be to cultivate the child’s own natural desire to learn. We allow the excitement of learning by choice and provide an interesting and stimulating environment that develops curiosity and challenge.

Dr Maria Montessori recognised the significance of the early childhood years in life-long learning.  Fundamental to her approach is the need to treat children with respect, dignity and patience as well as to provide them with a stimulating yet nurturing environment. It is within the structured freedom of such an environment that the staff of the Early Learning Centre of St John’s Grammar School promote the child’s growth of independence and their quest to understand the world around them.

Dr Montessori believed in a “Values Education” in which children learn to value themselves as important worthwhile individuals, to respect others, to take responsibility for themselves and their environment, to develop a joy of work, a love of learning and a creative intelligence.

The program is designed around a child’s spiritual, psychosocial, cognitive /creative and physical development. The staff constantly monitor each child’s progress and encourage frequent communication with parents.