Our Montessori Philosophy

What is a Montessori Education at Caedmon?

What is Montessori?

The Montessori method was developed by Italian physician Dr. Maria Montessori, and is based on self-directed activities, hands-on learning, and collaborative play.

Benefits of a Montessori Education

A Montessori education fosters independence, encourages empathy and a passion for social justice, and develops joyful engagement in lifelong learning. Montessori students are given the freedom and support to question, to make connections, and think deeply. They develop into confident, enthusiastic, self-directed learners who are able to think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly.

There are also studies that show Montessori students grow up to be happier adults!

Our Approach

We refer to our approach to the Montessori method as "progressive Montessori." We've made modifications to the Montessori method over the past fifty years, creating a blended curriculum of Montessori and other pre-school elements, such as block building, imaginative play, an art area, and specialist classes that research has proven to be beneficial for optimal child development. 

 What Does Progressive Montessori Mean? 

What Montessori Looks Like at Caedmon

Play is a vital component of early childhood development and is encouraged and enjoyed in the classrooms. Classrooms include a book corner, a block area, an imaginative play area, and areas for exploring the visual arts, each intentionally designed to incorporate the Five Areas of a Montessori classroom:

 5 Areas of a Montessori Classroom 

• Practical Life
• Sensorial
• Math
• Language 
• Cultural Studies (including Geography, History, Science, Biomes etc.)

Our students have an extraordinary range of materials and opportunities to foster social and academic growth within these key curriculum components. Children are encouraged to engage in open-ended and creative play, as socialization is a key aspect of the program. Teachers place significant focus on facilitating successful social interaction among the children.

Montessori Preschool 

When you enter our Montessori preschool classrooms, the materials and activities are clearly and recognizably organized into distinct areas and are presented with great care. Through active engagement, the students develop independence, coordination, concentration, organization and most importantly, curiosity.

At Caedmon, our preschool is divided into two classrooms: The Beginners Program, for younger children approximately 2-3 years old, and The Early Program, for children approximately between 3 - 5 yrs of age.

Montessori Elementary Program

We continue to infuse core Montessori principles into our robust, progressive Elementary program, thus naming this part of our program "Progressive Montessori."

This approach equips children with the skills necessary to be independent learners. They are taught how to prioritize work, budget time, and ask for help when needed. These critical skills prepare children to be successful students in primary school. 

At Caedmon, our "progressive Montessori" elementary grades include Kindergarten through Fifth grade. 

Other Educational Methods

Many of the specialized materials designed by Dr. Montessori over a century ago continue to be used by our Kindergarten and Lower Level (grades 1 & 2) students, alongside materials from other approaches such as:

• the Investigations math curriculum by TERC
• Amplify Science curriculum
• The Lucy Calkins reading and writing curriculum, which utilizes small, flexible instructional groups

By Third Grade, Montessori materials are mostly transitioned to these other aforementioned educational approaches. Homework, classroom tests and evaluations, and standardized testing are incorporated to help prepare children for the successful transition to middle school.