Montessori Today
In our fast-paced, modern world- filled with the constant influx of technology, social media and the pressures of a global economy- childhood has become increasingly complex. Young adults are having increased challenges thinking for themselves, applying critical thinking skills and navigating their own path to success and independence.
While Maria Montessori developed her pedagogy over 100 years ago, at Mead, we believe the Montessori approach to learning that ignites children’s love of learning, encourages critical thinking skills and values each child’s individual ability to reach their full potential is made develops individuals moral compass is equally relevant today as it was a crucial tool to help students to ignite the love of learning, instill curiosity, gently encourage students to find their independence.
At Mead, we believe the Montessori method is more relevant now than ever. For over a century this approach has honored the “eternal” ways that children naturally learn and grow. While the core of Maria Montessori’s philosophy never changes, we recognize that our curriculum must grow alongside our students. We have thoughtfully adapted our programs to bridge these timeless principles with the needs of the 21st-century learner. Our goal is to provide a soft place to land and a strong place to start- preserving the heart of Montessori while ensuring our students are fully prepared to lead, create, and thrive in today’s world.
How is Montessori different?
Our classrooms are mixed aged groups of children. Students have opportunities to participate in real life activities and micro societies that provide life experience beyond the traditional classroom model. Classrooms emulate real life, giving students the opportunity to work alongside peers of different ages and experience levels.
Students are able to choose their own activities, from a various framework of options, through the guidance and oversight of our trained and qualified staff members. We have open ended work time in our classrooms where students are able to work at their own pace. Our classrooms build independence, autonomy and concentration.
Our classrooms provide opportunities for individual and collaborative work. Group work and presentations are common and encouraged, allowing students the opportunity to learn from other students and work collaboratively at a young age.
Students at all ages engage in peer teaching and mentorship, building confidence in their skills; promoting knowledge driven work over memorization.
Instruction is tailored to each student’s unique characteristics, strengths, interests, and abilities in order to enhance engagement and improve academic performance.
How do we ensure academic achievement is equivalent with public school?
Though our educational approach looks different from a traditional school setting, we place a high value on academic excellence. We believe that our students can have it all: social well being, internal confidence, a strong moral compass and a high level of academic achievement. Our students transition confidently into high school and consistently perform well as they move into more traditional forms of education. We ensure they learn the same essential curriculum as their public school peers, with faculty intentionally integrating public school standards and content when appropriate. As our students grow within our school, our approach begins to shift so that our 8th grade students leave Mead with strong organizational skills, the ability to be resourceful and adapt to whatever situation comes their way and a deep overall respect for themselves and their community.
Our students take two standardized tests a year beginning in 3rd grade. These tests help serve as an additional guide to our staff members to help see areas where students may need support and ensure that students are hitting benchmarks.
Mead’s teachers maintain a strong understanding of grade-level benchmarks and continuously assess student learning. Small-group instruction allows for immediate identification and support of students who need assistance. We hold parent teacher conferences twice a year where teachers review each student’s performance in relation to benchmarks, outlining both areas of concern and implemented interventions, as well as recognizing areas of high achievement. If there is an area of concern, teachers will reach out to parents outside of conference days so collaboration between parents and teachers can happen as soon as the issues are identified.
How does Montessori prepare children for today’s world?
We provide opportunities for critical thinking in our students by providing choices so they learn to think and make choices independently. We adopt ‘friendliness with error’ to ensure that students know their strengths and areas for improvement.
By giving students authentic responsibility, we help them appreciate the value of active participation within a community. We want each student to see their place in the world and know that their choices and actions truly matter.
Some of life’s greatest lessons come from making mistakes. Constantly protecting students from failure does not equip them for the realities they will face. Through natural consequences, students learn responsibility, resilience, and the importance of owning their actions.
We encourage students to embrace challenges and take meaningful risks. We want them to understand that failure is not an endpoint, but a stepping stone toward growth and success. Learning to persevere, rise after setbacks, and try again is essential. While our students are comfortable with competition and motivated to achieve personal goals, we also guide them to remain mindful of and responsive to the needs of others.