What Defines a True Montessori Education?
At Arbor Montessori School, our mission, “Guiding the Future Within the Child,” is brought to life through authentic Montessori practice and the highest standards of excellence. As an AMS-accredited school, we are committed to honoring each child’s natural development while providing a rigorous, thoughtful, and deeply human education. The following five characteristics define what this looks like in practice:
Properly Trained Montessori Teachers
Guiding the future within the child begins with expert guidance. Arbor’s lead teachers hold AMS-accredited Montessori credentials specific to the age levels they teach and bring a deep understanding of Montessori philosophy, curriculum, and child development. Their role is to observe carefully, respond intentionally, and guide each child’s growth with respect and expertise.
Multi-Age Classrooms
Children learn in multi-age classroom communities, where collaboration, leadership, and peer learning happen naturally. Younger students learn by observing older peers, while older students build confidence and self-esteem through mentorship—allowing every child to be both a learner and a leader.
Specially Designed Montessori Materials
Our classrooms are fully equipped with hands-on, self-correcting Montessori materials that support discovery and deep understanding across practical life, sensorial exploration, math, reading, and cultural studies. These materials invite children to learn through experience—moving from concrete exploration to abstract thinking at their own pace.
Child-Directed Work
Montessori classrooms honor children as active participants in their own learning. Students choose their work based on interest and readiness, developing intrinsic motivation, independence, and focus. Teachers guide with intention while allowing children the freedom to engage deeply and meaningfully.
Uninterrupted Work Periods
Extended, uninterrupted work periods are essential to Montessori learning. These long stretches of focused time allow children to concentrate deeply, manage their time, and experience the satisfaction of sustained effort—skills that support both academic success and lifelong learning.
Together, these principles reflect Arbor’s commitment to guiding each child toward their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally—one lesson, one choice, and one moment of concentration at a time.
