The purpose of Good Shepherd Montessori School is to provide an ideal Christian learning environment using the Montessori Method of education. The approach focuses on the individual development of the child within a multi-age classroom.

The History of Montessori

Montessori is a method of education that focuses on the development of the child, helping each to reach his or her potential socially, emotionally, spiritually, as well as academically. This approach to education was created by Dr. Maria Montessori on the premise that if a child's needs are met instead of asking him or her to adjust to the adult's needs and environments, a new child would be seen, one who loves to learn.

Born in Chiaravalle, Italy, into a home of books, music and study, Dr. Maria Montessori pursued her dreams to become the first woman admitted to medical school in Italy. Montessori became a Doctor of Medicine in 1896. Her extraordinary spirit and deep belief in human potential set her on an unexpected path. She became a world-renowned, life-long educator.

"Our aim is not merely to make the child
understand and still less to force him to
memorize, but so to touch his imagination
as to enthuse him to his inmost core."
- Dr. Maria Montessori

The Montessori Curriculum

The Montessori curriculum catches a child's imagination and enthusiasm. Prepared exercises offer practical experiences. Lessons involve the manipulation of materials. Both encourage the child to use his or her intelligence to explore, analyze and problem solve.

The curriculum is designed to complement the development of each child's personality and fosters self-reliance, self-respect, and cooperation. The child develops positive attitudes toward himself, learning, books, and the classroom environment.

Classes are based on three year age groupings.? Younger students observe and learn from older students. The older students develop nurturing behavior and leadership qualities. They reinforce the knowledge they have by passing it on to others.

Each classroom is a lovingly prepared, child-centered environment. Great care and planning go into preparing the materials used in each classroom. Materials and activities are arranged on low shelves accessible to the child for whom they are intended. Furniture is designed with the child in mind. An atmosphere of order, beauty, and harmony exists. Learning becomes a natural and delightful activity.

Trained teachers function as guides through the rich and extensive curriculum. Skills are taught in small group lessons or individually. Each child works on selected tasks leading to the development of competence and a love for learning.

The Montessori curriculum assists the child in sharpening his or her powers of observation, enabling him or her to understand ideas and concepts at an early age. The child experiences well-planned practical life, sensorial, mathematical, musical, artistic, linguistic, and scientific activities. These activities lay the foundation for life long, joyous, and creative learning.