The Core Beliefs of
Maria Montessori​​
Maria Montessori believed every child is born with a unique potential waiting to be revealed—not as a “blank slate” to be written upon.
She saw children as capable, curious, and full of innate abilities that must be nurtured and respected. Education, she taught, begins at birth and should follow the principle of Cosmic Education—the understanding that everything in the universe is interconnected and that each person has a responsibility to contribute positively to the whole.
Montessori emphasized that personal growth comes from active engagement, not just intellectual understanding, and that self-discipline must arise from within rather than being imposed.
Guiding Principles for the Prepared Environment
Montessori recognized that a child’s environment plays a vital role in shaping their growth—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Maria Montessori advocated for creating natural, life-supporting spaces where children can explore freely, work with real, meaningful materials, and learn through hands-on experience.
This environment should continually adapt to the child’s developmental stages, respecting the four distinct phases of growth, each with its own needs and tendencies.
In such an environment, children learn to help themselves, develop harmony with the Earth, and work alongside peers of different ages—often supporting and learning from one another.
Respect at the Heart of Education
At the foundation of Montessori’s philosophy is deep respect for the dignity and individuality of every child.
She believed that true education begins with self-reflection on the part of the teacher or guide, and that understanding a child requires careful observation rather than control.
By honoring the child’s natural curiosity, independence, and capacity for contribution, we help them grow into compassionate, capable, and responsible human beings.
Montessori’s pioneering work in observing, adapting, and refining her methods laid the groundwork for many of today’s best practices in child development, allowing us to offer an education that is both meaningful and dignified.
