One of the most important things that a person acquires in life is their education. A quality education is so much more than the simple ability to add and subtract, to read and write. A great education means that you’ve been taught to think critically, to discover the solutions for yourself, and to be accountable for your own work and performance. A person can be taught the basics of reading, science, math, and history, and still have no idea how to think in a truly healthy and beneficial way.
At Excellent Montessori in Lithonia, we value a child’s ability to work independently, learn to think critically, and develop a discipline for the future. We believe that every child can learn and that we simply have to create the right learning environment, and balance it with instruction that isn’t overbearing or overwhelming. We believe that there are many things that set us apart from other Lithonia schools and in this blog, we’re going to look at some of the benefits of a Montessori education. Continue reading below to learn more!
The Montessori Method is More Than a Trend
Having been developed by Maria Montessori at the turn of the 20th Century, the Montessori Method has been around for over a hundred years. It’s understandable to be leary or uncertain about an educational method that is newly created, but when it is one that has been widely recognized around the world as an effective, useful, and valuable form of education for over a century, it’s probably safe to trust in this educational method. The Montessori Method is established, time-honored, and implemented worldwide.
Each Student is Valued as a Unique Individual
So often, in public education, and even in many private establishments, students are only taught from a book, and they are forced to adapt to a style of learning that may not be the most natural or effective for them. Unfortunately, schools and facilities that teach in this way have a difficult time seeing the individual needs of children and often present a one-size-fits-all form of educating. Montessori understands that all children are unique and each one learns in a different way and at a different pace. Sending your child to a Lithonia school at which their unique learning style is celebrated instead of discouraged is one of the best things you can do for them.
Early Instilling of Valuable Traits
Montessori is passionate about allowing students to develop order, coordination, concentration, and independence at an early age. With the learning environment, the encouragement to self-regulate, and the inspiration to work at their own pace, children are given the freedom to learn in a safe place in which they can thrive.
Students Are a Part of a Close-Knit Community
In a Montessori school, children are placed in multi-age classrooms, often with at least three years between the youngest and the oldest. We’ve found that when we encourage a classroom with mixed ages, we tend to see a nurturing, caring environment in which children learn a great deal from each other. With the teacher’s ultimate modeling of kindness and respect, the older children feel like role models and mentors, and the younger children feel cared for and supported to learn in a safe and encouraging environment.
Students Enjoy Freedom With Limits
Learning within the parameters set up by the teacher, children are encouraged to be active participants in deciding what their day’s learning will include. Montessori knows that a child’s inner satisfaction drives their desire to learn and this freedom creates a pattern and love of learning that lasts for a lifetime. Freedom in learning is important for any child, and when your child is a part of a Montessori school, they are taught in this way from day one.
Students are Taught to Think Independently
The problem with so many educational institutions today is that students are taught to rely heavily on their teachers, their peers, their parents, and their curriculum. The Montessori Method believes that children should be encouraged to explore the answers to their questions and that they can accomplish quite a bit on their own. Montessori educators are passionate about creating an environment in which children are taught to think independently and critically.
Self-Assessment is Encouraged
One of the biggest problems in the public education sector is that children are not taught to self-assess. Montessori believes that students should be encouraged to look critically at their own work and self-correct where it’s needed. This creates children who are confident, independent, and mature enough to progress beautifully into middle school, high school, college, and beyond. Our Montessori elementary school and preschool truly set your child up for the rest of their life.
The Montessori Method is so much more than just a type of school, it’s a vital way of life and learning. We understand that the habits and techniques adopted in our Montessori school stay with children for the rest of their lives. We’ve educated some of the best self-starters who, by their own admission, have Montessori to thank for their discipline, imagination, and self-confidence.
Contact Our Administration
If you’re ready to see what all the fuss is about, come check out what’s going on at Lithonia’s best school: Excellent Montessori. In addition to our amazing Montessori elementary school, we also specialize in care for infants, toddlers, after-school care, and summer programs! Contact us now if you have questions, if you’d like to fill out an application, or if you want to schedule a tour! We’d love to hear from you!