A Brief History of the Montessori Method

1 June 2022

The Montessori method is proven to be beneficial in children's early development. In fact, notable people like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos got their early education at Montessori schools. 


Do you think your child may benefit from attending a Montessori school? If so, then keep reading to learn more about the history of this technique for childhood education and how it can enrich your child's learning experience.

Early Beginnings: The Maria Montessori Method

The founder and namesake of this teaching method was Italian native, Maria Montessori. She was born in the town of Chiaravalle on August 31, 1870.


Her family moved to Rome shortly after. She would remain there into her early adulthood. In 1890, she enrolled at the University of Rome where she studied physics, mathematics, and natural sciences.


Soon after getting her undergraduate degree, Dr. Montessori began medical school. By 1896, she became among one of the first women in Italy to earn a doctorate.


Dr. Montessori spent the next decade furthering her education, working, and engaging in original research. Then, in 1907, she opened her first Children's House. 


Shortly after in 1909, Dr. Montessori made her educational process into a book titled The Montessori Education. This publication was the catalyst that inspired educators across the world to adopt her teaching methods.

Montessori Comes to America

Dr. Montessori and The Montessori Education made a big impression in the United States in the early 1900s.


But, in 1914, William Heard Kilpatrick, a teacher himself, wrote The Montessori System Examined. In the publication, Kilpatrick heavily criticized Dr. Montessori's system of education. As a result, there were practically no Montessori schools left in the United States by the 1920s.


The Montessori method made a comeback in the 1950s thanks to the efforts of New York educator Dr. Nancy McCormick Rambusch. Since then, there has been a renewed intrigue in Montessori education. In fact, the number of Montessori schools has grown by 500 percent nationwide since the 1970s. 

The State of the Montessori Method Today

The current state of the Montessori classroom remains centered around children's individual educational interests. It uses the latest findings on childhood development to make sure that each child's education is appropriate for their level of development. Today, children can start their early education at a Montessori preschool and continue their education up until eighth grade.

Notable People Educated at Montessori Schools

Notable people such as Jeff Bezos, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who are the founders of Google, received their early education at a Montessori school. In fact, Brin credits his and Page's success to their Montessori education.

The Future of Montessori School

Do you think your child will enjoy the Montessori method? You can see for yourself how this educational system works by arranging a visit to see Arrow Montessori School. At Arrow Montessori School in San Dimas, we offer a variety of services including infant and toddler daycare. Contact us today to find out more about our school!

A teacher is hugging a group of children in a classroom.

5 Tips for Implementing the Maria Montessori Method

1 August 2023
Did you just enroll your child in one of the more than 5,000 Montessori schools scattered throughout the U.S.? Whether they'll be attending a Montessori infant and toddler daycare, a Montessori preschool, or another type of Montessori academy, they'll be in good hands when they're in a Montessori school. But you don't have to limit your child's Montessori activities to the school day. You can also incorporate the Maria Montessori method into your child's home life, too. Creating a Montessori home for them will work wonders for their overall development. Here are five tips on implementing the Maria Montessori method at home so that your child is able to lead the Montessori lifestyle at all times.
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Top Five Benefits of a Montessori Climber

1 July 2023
Have you spent a lot of time childproofing your home to make it as safe as possible for your toddler? If so, the idea of allowing them to engage in “risky play” might sound like it would be out of the question. But there is something to be said for letting your young child take part in risky play. It'll allow them to develop important skills they might not be able to develop otherwise without ever putting them in any real danger. You can encourage risky play in your home by investing in a Montessori climber, which is also known as a Pikler triangle. It's one of the simpler Montessori toys. But you'll find there will be so many benefits of Montessori climbers. Learn about five of the benefits your toddler will enjoy below.
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Top 5 Summer Montessori Activities That Promote Learning through Fun

1 June 2023
For many people ( around 40% ), summer is the best time of the year! There's something so magical and exciting about the warm weather and endless opportunities for fun activities outside the regular routine. But it can also be a difficult season for parents. Coming up with new things to do for months can be exhausting! Especially when your focus is on educational activities that promote creativity and imaginative play. Many parents lean into the Montessori method of learning, which encourages self-driven play that also helps build valuable life skills along the way. Check out these summer Montessori activities you can plan for your kids!
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Montessori Programs: Learnings From Practitioners Around the World

1 May 2023
Despite having been shaping the minds and abilities of children for more than 150 years, Montessori programs still attract praise for their tendency to bring out the best in people. In fact, famous Montessori alumni today include Taylor Swift, Chelsea Clinton, and the 9-year-old Prince George of Cambridge. The Montessori school delivers results. But how? Through carefully-honed practices that seek to nurture children of all backgrounds and abilities. Here are some of the top tenets of the Montessori method in practice around the world today.
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How Montessori Schools Foster Emotional Development

1 April 2023
Kindergarten and preschool classes around the world use child-sized desks and chairs. The idea of child-sized furniture was the brainchild of Maria Montessori. She developed the Montessori school of thought. Read more about the history of the Montessori method here. Montessori schools are known for fostering emotional development among students. Read on to learn how your child can enjoy developments that last a lifetime.
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How to Help Your Child Succeed With Montessori Learning

1 March 2023
At Arrow Montessori School, we occasionally ask new parents to think about a memory from their early education. Often, a smile spreads across their face as they recall a self-directed, interest-driven project or accomplishment that taught them something about who they are. In our San Dimas classrooms, we strive to recreate that joy in our students every day. New Montessori parents often have questions about how to support their child as they embark on their journey of individualized Montessori learning. We recognize this can be difficult if your only frame of reference is traditional school. Montessori success is sometimes as simple as stepping back and trusting that your unique, brilliant child knows what they need. We've created this guide to help parents understand how to help their children thrive at our Montessori preschool, elementary, or middle school. Read on to learn how to become an effective member of your child's team.
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Identifying the Benefits of Montessori Preschool Education

1 January 2023
The Maria Montessori method has been adopted by over 22,000 schools worldwide . Dr. Maria Montessori created this method that puts a focus on early education enrichment. A Montessori preschool offers your child an education and a flexible learning structure. This lets students work at their own pace while still completing all their schoolwork. Keep reading to find out more about the benefits a Montessori preschool education can offer your child.
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The Importance of Infant and Toddler Daycare

1 December 2022
Did you know that the toddler's brain works twice as fas t as adults? Not only are they active but flexible as well. Their brains have more connections per brain cells than those of adults. If you'd like your infant or toddler to reach their full potential, then an infant and toddler daycare might be right for them. What are the benefits of signing your child up for one, though? It can feel difficult to decide whether or not to send your child to daycare, but it doesn't have to be. Read this guide on the benefits of infant and toddler daycare today!
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Montessori School vs. Traditional Schools: Which is Best for Your Child?

1 November 2022
Over 22,000 schools worldwide use the Maria Montessori method. This is an alternative teaching method developed by Italian educator Dr. Maria Montessori. It focuses heavily on early education enrichment. You're probably wondering if a Montessori school would be a good choice for your children. If so, read on. You'll learn how a Montessori preschool can differ from a traditional one.
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3 Tips for Preparing Your Child for Montessori Preschool

1 October 2022
Montessori preschools have become exceptionally popular and for good reason. Montessori preschools are different from traditional infant and toddler daycare. The Montessori education style allows children to learn and work at their own pace and follow their own interests. This system removes the stress and pressure of standardized programs, which contributes to its success in improving cognitive development and motivating creative minds at a young age. If your child is getting ready to start at a Montessori preschool, there are some strategies you can use to help make their transition smooth and easy. Keep reading to learn three tips for preparing your child for Montessori school.
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