Northfield Montessori

Many people often wonder why Montessori emphasizes children of different ages learning together in a Montessori classroom. The answer lies in the individuality of each child. Since each childs past experience is varied and each learns at a different speed, the Montessori classroom is designed to allow a child to choose the most appropriate level of materials to work on. All materials are graded, and children can move from simple to complex as their own interests change. Having children of different ages in the Montessori classroom allows younger children models for imitation (the older children), and allows older children an opportunity to reinforce their own knowledge by helping younger ones.

Because each child works at their own pace, there is no competition in the classroom. Only when children understand and are confident in the use of basic skills should any competition be introduced in education. Dr. Montessori wrote, ‘Never let a child risk failure until he has reasonable chance of success.’

Since learning is done at an individual rate in the Montessori classroom, different levels are easily accommodated. Advanced children in the same room can move from one piece of equipment to another very quickly, avoiding the boredom of waiting for other members of the class to catch up.

Pre-school children mature at very different rates and their periods of readiness for academic subjects vary a great deal. While some children may be ready to read or calculate at an early age, very early learning is not the norm, nor is it the objective of the Montessori method. Dr. Montessori’s ideal is that learning should occur naturally and joyfully at the proper moment for each individual child.

Child Ages:

6 weeks - 12 years

Licenses & Accreditations:

MinnesotaDepartmentofHumanServices

Preschool:

Yes

Children per Teacher:

Infant: 4/1, Toddler: 7/1, Pre k: 10/1, Afterschool: -/-

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.