Our Programs

Photo of Maria Montessori Education at Children's Meeting House is founded on the principles of the Montessori method developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an educational visionary and the first Italian woman to become a medical doctor. Dr. Montessori approached education from a global perspective, considering the child's intellectual, social, physical and spiritual development.

Each Montessori classroom operates on the principle of freedom within limits. Every program has a set of ground rules which differs from age to age, but is always based on core Montessori beliefs - respect for each other and for the environment.

Children are free to work at their own pace with materials they have chosen, either alone or with others. The teacher relies on his or her observations of the children to determine which new activities and materials may be introduced to an individual child or to a small or large group. The aim is to encourage active, self directed learning. Music, art, movement and drama activities are integrated into all the programs.

The multi year span in each class provides a family-like grouping. More experienced children share what they have learned while reinforcing their own learning. Because this peer group learning is intrinsic to Montessori, there is often more conversation - language experiences - in the Montessori classroom than in a traditional setting.

Our teachers are an important reason why the education at CMH is so special. All of our teachers are trained and certified in the Montessori method. Most of them have a Masters degree in education and maintain a state certification as well. Our teachers are enthusiastic, dedicated educators who are committed to meeting the needs and interests of every child in their class.