The basic idea in the Montessori philosophy is that each individual is a uniquely endowed individual living a whole life in a whole world. Dr. Montessori recognized that the only valid impulse to learning is the self motivation of the child. Children move themselves toward learning. The teacher prepares the environment, programs the activity, functions as the reference person and "exampler" and offers the child stimulation, but it is the child who learns, who is motivated through work itself (not solely by the teacher's personality) to persist in his chosen task.

Schools have existed historically to teach children to observe, to think, and to judge. Montessori introduces children to the joy of learning at an early age and provides a framework in which intellectual and social discipline go hand in hand. Teaching and learning are seen as inseparable, as are self, family, neighborhood, and the global community. Learning about oneself is part of learning about others. Learning and growing are what happens when people work and play together. Learning is not about winning and competing.

Dr. Montessori developed what she called the "prepared environment"-an environment in which consistency and dependability are the norm. Children learn through active engagement with personally meaningful, multi sensory materials. Involvement, autonomy, and risk taking are encouraged in the classroom activities and experiences.

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