1. What is Montessori education?

Montessori is a proven educational method based on scientific observation of the development of children pioneered by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago in Italy. Montessori education provides children the opportunity to express themselves as individuals. The students explore and learn through discovery at their own pace under the guidance of specially trained Montessori teachers. It is an individualized approach to education for children that assists each child in reaching their full potential. It is a student-centered approach that fosters creativity, curiosity and encourages children to ask questions, explore and think critically as they acquire both academic and life skills.

The children work independently and in groups, exploring the materials with facilitation and guidance from the teachers. The Montessori environment nurtures independence and fosters the skills and confidence that children need to succeed in all aspects of their lives.

2. How does Montessori compare to traditional types of education?

Montessori education emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching and reading. While traditional education is based on the transfer of knowledge from teacher to student and follows a set curriculum according to a timeframe that is the same for everyone, Montessori education is based on helping the natural development of the human being. Students learn at their own pace, following their own individual interests. Rather than being teacher directed, the Montessori teacher works in collaboration with the students and this working and learning is matched to the social development of the students. Montessori education emphasizes intrinsic motivation through physical exploration, self-direction and a process of discovery rather than motivation by a system of rewards and punishments.

3. Who makes a good Montessori student?

With a core philosophy of following the child, all children can thrive within the Montessori environment.

4. What does Northridge Montessori School offer?

Northridge Montessori School (NMS) offers an enriched Montessori program in a safe, nurturing environment. The students at NMS learn to explore, discover and develop as bright, self-assured and considerate individuals. Our welcoming surroundings and highly trained Montessori staff enable our students to excel in all areas of the curriculum which is further enriched with an extensive Physical Education Program including Yoga classes, Art, Music, & French language instruction. We also offer FREE before & after school extended programs for full day students (Before School Program: 7am-9am; After School Program: 4pm-6pm).

5. What is the purpose of the multi-age classrooms?

The multi-age classrooms create an environment that allows learning to take place naturally. Children often learn and take criticism better from other children and learning is recognized as a social process. Varied ages allow older children to help younger ones and to solidify their own knowledge through the experience of teaching. Younger children learn through observation how to lead, while the others experience and learn leadership skills. Through these multi-aged interactions children learn the importance of cooperation, respect, collaboration, acceptance and trust. These experiences help to develop self-esteem, empathy, confidence and leadership skills.

6. At what ages and equivalent grade levels are students typically accepted into the school?

Typically, students are accepted into the Montessori program in the Toddler Program (18 months to 2.5 years). The earlier a child starts their Montessori education, the more they will benefit at every level (academically, socially and emotionally) from our holistic and integrated approach to learning. They grow up in the environment which respects them and their innate love of learning and natural curiosity, encourages their critical thinking skills and expects them to learn best by actively and physically engaging with their environment and peers in a purposeful and meaningful way.

7. What program sessions are offered at the Northridge Montessori School?

A full day program which runs from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

8. Is the Northridge Montessori School closed during the summer holidays & March break?

No, the school remains open during the summer months of July and August & during March break.