Woodland Montessori School
Preschool in Saint Paul, MN 55115
Woodland Montessori School is dedicated to providing children the highest standard in Montessori education. We have a Toddler Community (16 mos. to 3 years) and a Children’s House (2 years 9 mos. to age 6). The school is located in a scenic woodland setting in Mahtomedi, perfect for nature walks in the summer and sledding in the winter.
Our program is aimed at developing the intellectual, emotional, social and physical independence of the child in a multi-age setting. Our carefully planned, spacious classrooms, stimulating materials, and outdoor environment help to create an ideal setting for each child to reach his/her potential and to be guided and nurtured. Each child is encouraged to develop at his/her own rate, benefiting from a high level of individual teacher attention and self-motivation.
At Woodland the child builds up a foundation of habits, attitudes, skills and ideas that are essential for a lifetime of creative thinking and learning.
- Child Ages:
- 3 years - 6 years
- Rates:
- $$$
- Licenses & Accreditations:
- MinnesotaDepartmentofHumanServices
- Preschool:
- Yes
- Hours of Operation:
- Monday to Friday 7:00a.m.-5:30p.m
Want more information?
- Classroom Ratios
- Director and Teaching Staff Bios
- Course and Teaching Material
- Menus, Activities, and more...
Maria Montessori was born in Italy in 1870 and became the first woman in the country to earn her doctorate degree. After working with mentally-challenged children she developed a system of education based on scientific observation. She designed a system of materials that would challenge and honor their growing capabilities.
The Montessori Philosophy is based on the idea that every child has the innate urge to learn and grow, which is facilitated through his interaction with his environment. The Montessori materials found in the classroom are designed to be manipulated and experimented with, promoting independence, concentration and creativity.
The Montessori classroom is based on four major principles:
1. The Child
Montessori realized that children are all different, needing the greatest individual liberty to grow. Children are not pressured to follow the pace of the teachers or the other students. Instead, they work directly with the materials, competing only with themselves. Their success becomes its own reward.
2. The Directress
Montessori called the teacher in the classroom the “Directress” because she directs the child’s activity in the environment. She is the vital link between the children and the environment, presenting the materials so that they may perform them with the greatest chance for success. The Directress is constantly aware of each child’s goals and actively seeks ways for him to fulfill them.
3. The Prepared Environment
Montessori believed that the classroom environment should facilitate maximum exploration and independence by the child. In the peaceful and ordered classroom, children work on activities of their own choice at their own pace. This gives them a sense of freedom and self-discipline designed to meet their developmental needs.
4. The Materials
In the Montessori classroom colorful materials are attractively displayed on low shelves, inviting children to work with them. The materials are self-correcting, and the children can realize their error without assistance. The children are able to solve problems independently, which builds self-confidence and analytical thinking.
