What is the Montessori Teaching Method?
The Montessori approach allows each child to reach his or her fullest potential. Specialized Montessori trained instructors prepare an environment that is designed to meet the individual needs of every student. In this setting, children respond to their natural learning abilities through discovery-based activities. As a result, children progress at their own pace, mastering each skill at their own timetable.

When the child is ready (usually age 5), student and teacher develop an individual weekly work plan. The student is responsible to manage their time and accomplish their goals by weeks end. Dr. Maria Montessori discovered that each child has a natural curiosity for knowledge and an inherent love of learning. She developed a collection of classroom materials that guide the child's learning process through self-direction. It is not uncommon for a Montessori educated child to add, subtract, and read by age 5.

Is the curriculum Religious or Montessori?
The curriculum will be a complete Montessori academic program emphasizing Math, Reading, Writing, Science, Practical Life, Sensorial Development, Geography, Culture, History, Foreign Language, Art, Music, and Physical Development.

However, each day during morning line-time, we will say a prayer and a pledge to the flag. The teachers are free to incorporate Bible stories into story time. The true meaning behind Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving will be studied and celebrated in class. The science curriculum will be completely compatible with the Biblical account of Creation. It will recognize God as the Creator of the Universe and maker of all things living and non-living.

We believe parents are responsible for the doctrinal teachings of Christianity and feel it is their responsibility to introduce specific beliefs or practices on a timetable of their choosing. The children progress at their own pace and rhythm according to their individual capabilities during the crucial years of sensitivities and development.

The Montessori Teacher strives to awaken a curiosity for knowledge and a passion for learning while instilling the value of thoughtful and meaningful work in each individual child, while respecting the different learning styles, uniqueness and potential each child brings. By providing a challenging environment enriched with stimulating materials and resources, and setting high standards, they provide each child with the tools and guidance necessary to meet those standards.

Will the children study other countries and cultures?
The Montessori curriculum is based on a three-year cycle in which the children study all the worlds' continents and cultures. At Great Lakes Montessori, our students will gain appreciation and respect for many cultures and societies of the world. The children will be introduced to the basic needs of man (food, shelter, clothing, etc) which are common across all cultures as well those characteristics which make each culture or continent unique (art, music, animal life, geography, etc)

However, we feel it equally important to instill in our children a sense of respect and pride in our country. This is achieved by introducing the children to how our nation was founded, the early heroes who developed our form of government and Constitution, and important historical figures that have made our great nation what it is today.

Montessori Academic Program
A Montessori Classroom aims to empower each child to reach his or her fullest potential as an individual and as a member of society. A carefully prepared environment is provided where children are free to respond to their natural drive to work and learn through self-discovery and self-exploration. The children’s inherent love of learning is encouraged by giving them opportunities to engage in spontaneous meaningful activities in a non-competitive environment under the guidance of a using the teaching methods of Dr. Maria Montessori.