St. Mary of the Purification Catholic School embraces the Montessori philosophy for its Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and Kindergarten students, fostering an environment where young learners can develop at their own pace through hands-on, individualized experiences. Montessori education emphasizes respect for each child's unique learning style, promoting independence, critical thinking, and a love for learning. Children are encouraged to explore, collaborate, and engage with materials that are carefully designed to stimulate curiosity and enhance their development across cognitive, social, emotional, and physical domains. As Dr. Maria Montessori famously said, “The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.” At St. Mary of the Purification, we provide the tools and guidance to ignite this passion for lifelong learning in our youngest students.
Casa dei Bambini was the first school begun by Maria Montessori in 1907. Montessori aims to teach children independence, self-reliance, knowledge through play, and the importance of self-connection. Maria Montessori was a Catholic and infused many symbols of the Catholic Church in her “work,” such as the golden beads inspired by the rosary. In a Montessori classroom, children learn best through movement and play. The classroom is open and easily maneuverable, allowing the young to learn balance and bodily control in time.
Our Pre-Kindergarten 3 through Kindergarten community learns through a Maria Montessori model, where students study concepts by interacting within their environment and specializing in educational materials. With the support of a Montessori Trained Teacher, referred to as a “Guide,” they assist children to begin building the foundation for practical life, sensorial, mathematics, language arts, science, cultural arts, music, Spanish, religion, and problem-solving in a stimulating environment that cultivates their natural desire to learn. In this small nurturing environment, our children excel intellectually, grow spiritually, and mature socially.
In the early childhood development program, children also attend weekly lessons in Spanish, music, art, physical education, and media classes. Field trips are also incorporated to nurture, encourage and support each student to explore, observe and discover the world around them.