The Montessori Method
Education for Life Starts in Early Childhood

Dr. Montessori's educational philosophy and method evolved from her belief that children, with their different form of intelligence from adults, can learn from an early age. Montessori named this growth stage "the absorbent mind", where children learn everything from an unconscious to conscious state of mind. Adults can assist the growth by providing them with ample opportunities for work, play, pleasure, and freedom to explore.

Montessori advocated that education should be for independence, liberty, and empowerment of the child. She referred to her approach of education as an "aid to life" that focuses on the development of the human personality, not solely the acquisition of information. Montessori education seeks to create a link between school-learning and society - encouraging initiative and independent learning and the development of self-discipline and responsible social behavior. "The education of the small child aims to prepare him for life, not for school", as Montessori said.

The use of concrete materials specially and beautifully designed to teach abstract concepts and operations is fundamental to the Montessori teaching method. As the teacher guides and monitors the children's choice of materials to work with, the children can grasp abstract concepts and operations at their ease and with a high level of interest.