MONTESSORI PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
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At BHMS, our students learn and thrive thanks to the intersection of past, present, and future. Here, the foundation of proven, exceptional 100+ year Montessori philosophy of education converges with today’s best practices, forward-thinking approaches, and innovation in education so that our students are uniquely prepared for an ever-changing world and are confident to be independent thinkers and lifelong learners.
Montessori school education views children as naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment. It is an approach that values the human spirit and the development of the whole child—physical, social, emotional, cognitive. Here, we build on that beautifully rich foundation of proven, tested, and beloved Montessori principles as we guide and empower students to follow their passions, learn boldly, demand more, be open, embrace the unknown, work together and for each other. Our students are well prepared to have infinite choices for their future, for where they go on to school, what they do in the world, the mark they’ll leave, and the lives they’ll impact.
Some core Montessori characteristics include:
Mixed-Age Classes
In mixed age classrooms (spanning three years), children are given the opportunity to teach themselves, learn from one another, and to assume leadership roles. Children enjoy three specific roles within the mixed-age group — being the youngest, the middle, and the oldest. Each provides a particular social and academic vantage point in the classroom community and aids children in developing empathy and acceptance of different viewpoints. It offers the older students the opportunity to solidify learned skills and concepts by teaching what they know to younger classmates, which in turn creates a deeper and more lasting knowledge base for the older student and a strong bond between classroom peers.
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Two and Three-Year Cycle
Students stay in the same classroom for two to three years which allows teachers to gain an intimate knowledge of each student’s individual learning style, growth, and potential. A spiraling curriculum develops a deeper understanding of academic subjects. It also gives children a longer period of time to practice developing and reinforcing skills than a conventional classroom allows.
Montessori Materials
Our beautiful, hands-on materials are designed to develop a student’s depth of knowledge and independent discovery through tactile experiences. These materials help students move from concrete manipulation towards abstract thought.
Prepared Environment
Our classrooms are intentionally designed to create choice within structure for our students.
This built-in sense of order helps children to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills by creating physical and mental space to explore, discover, concentrate, research, and learn at their own pace.
Joy of Learning
Within established structures, students follow their own curiosity and work toward their own goals, which in turn deepens their knowledge and understanding. Teachers encourage students to explore while they closely monitor each student’s progress and support them in making choices that reinforce their learning. Teachers challenge students with new concepts and help guide them to discovery, giving the students the deep satisfaction of those “aha” moments when they arrive at an answer themselves.
Grace and Courtesy
Grace and courtesy are tenets of Montessori philosophy. Compassion and respect are demonstrated by all community members. Woven throughout the curriculum, as well as through specific service learning projects, students have many opportunities to practice being engaged, gracious, and courteous members of a community.
