A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF DR. MARIA MONTESSORI, MD

Maria Montessori, nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times, dedicated her life to creating an optimum growth environment for children. Montessori began her scientific observations of children after her graduation from the University of Rome as Italy’s first female doctor. Working first with children in asylums in Rome, Montessori discovered that by creating an environment where children were provided with materials suited to their sensitive periods of development they were able to pass the same school examinations given to “normal” children.

After these tremendous results, Montessori looked next to the children of San Lorenzo in Rome and opened a “Casa de Bambini” or Children’s House in 1907. Soon educators and visitors from far and wide arrived to observe this amazing new concept in education. This innovative educational system was founded not on the direct instruction from the teacher, but on the child’s exposure to a carefully crafted environment.

Montessori’s philosophical theories on child development have been proven time and again through current brain research. She was the first person to talk about sensitive periods of development, or “windows of opportunity”. She also emphasized the importance of movement for cognitive development. Montessori pioneered child sized furniture - something we see as normal for today!

Montessori devoted her life to creating respectful learning environments for children around the world. She conducted teacher training classes in Europe, Asia and North America before her death in 1952.

Maria Montessori believed all children would benefit from this specialized environment. We believe finances should not be a barrier to an outstanding education. Community Montessori is a tuition-free charter school based on the philosophy of Maria Montessori.

For more information about Maria Montessori and her life see the following websites or consider reading some of her books on the Montessori theory of education.