What is the Montessori Method?

The Origins of the Montessori Method

Maria Montessori, the namesake of Montessori education and its creator, began developing the Montessori philosophy in 1897. Maria Montessori was Italy’s first female medical doctor and was quite notable for that achievement alone, though the Montessori Method would wind up being her lasting legacy. Maria worked extensively with children that had learning disabilities, and from 1896 until 1906 she acted as an educator and activist, advocating for better education for intellectually challenged students and seeking new educational methods. She lectured frequently at the University of Rome on this and related subjects.

In 1906, Maria opened the Casa dei Bambini- the world’s first “Montessori” school. Her educational philosophies proved popular, with her second school opening in 1907. That success snowballed, with her educational philosophies – aka, the Montessori Method – gaining international acclaim and recognition.

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Delivering on the Montessori Method

Our classrooms are prepared with a full range of authentic Montessori materials. You will find:

Specialized equipment unique to authentic Montessori schools
A learning environment prepared to encourage critical thinking and problem solving, with a focus on independence and freedom.
Staff trained in Montessori educational processes and philosophies
A distinctly varied and multicultural environment, where students can interact with and learn from each other

An individualized learning path is created for each student and is based on their existing development and their displayed aptitudes. Children from age 0-6 years have absorbent minds: the child simply learns by being in an environment. This age is referred to as the First Plane of Development. See our page on Montessori Planes of Development for more information.

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The Montessori Method Principles

Our schools foster a culture founded on the principles of the Montessori method:

Respect for self, peers, and teachers
Independence
Respect for the environment, both the one we create and the one we inhabit
Freedom within limits
Self Discipline and Self Motivation
Respect for knowledge, and the life-long process of acquiring it
The Montessori method builds confidence and self-esteem. Your child enjoys and appreciates the successes that come with critical thinking, problem-solving, artful expression, and the general exploration of ideas

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Testimonials

My son graduated from Mosaic this June & even though he has only attended Mosaic Montessori Academy (Royal Oak campus) for one year, it has been an amazing year. We chose Mosaic to ensure he had a great foundation before attending public school. Every day we find out something new he has learned. At dinner one night he went over the Canadian anthem, provinces, their capitals and flags! He really has come out of his shell and become a confident young man! Thank you to all the staff for everything!

- Daniel G.

Iam from a smaller town and so when I realized how much choice was out there for an education in Calgary it was daunting and stressful! Every parent wants to pick the right option for their child. Both my children are girls yet they couldn’t be more different. I have never regretted or doubted putting my kids in this school, it has been a blessing. They are very organized and consistent. They teach so many things that kids don’t always get in other preschools. Respect for teachers, other students, patience, everyday courtesy like letting others have a turn to speak or learn to clean up after themselves. The setup and science behind the Montessori way are incredible. The activities are fun, self-directed with the guidance of a directress. When I’ve Observed 27 kids between the age of 3-5 in a room, I have been shocked with the orderly, content way the children conduct themselves and respect other kids while there. Their kindergarten year is the leadership year and your child is shown how to mentor the younger children in the class. both of my kids are strong leaders because of this program and it visibly shows. My younger daughter can have a strong personality at times but is extremely intelligent and thrives in this setting. She’s recently shown me each province in Canada (that she meticulously punched out of paper using a pin, a popular activity in class) named each capital city for the corresponding province and each flag too…amazing for a 5-year-old right? She’s also excited to learn to read and has had the confidence to read her book in front of the class thanks to their accepting, respectful class atmosphere. She’s excited to go to school and learn every day and her directress, Mrs. Maria has a magic touch with her and I truly believe she is getting the best education possible. I would choose this school over and over again. Thank you for caring so much:)

- Erin R.

My family and I love Mosaic Montessori Academy and we are so fortunate to have found them! My son has been in the program since he was almost 3 and will be graduating and going into Grade 1 this year. I can’t say enough wonderful things about this school and their teachers

Some great positives are:
– An excellent child to teacher ratio (one of the lowest I’ve found in our area)

– Loving and wonderful teachers who lavish care and attention to each child.

– A welcoming environment (this school is so much like a big family rather than the institutional feel that some of the big preschools have)

– The parents at the school are so welcoming and helpful. We even have a WhatsApp group where we coordinate birthday parties and set up playdates!

– Engaging Montessori curriculum (a wonderful curriculum of arts, science, math, reading, singing, and life skills). My child is extremely well rounded for his age. Not only were his academics above average but he also showed all the other wonderful life skills Montessori teaches. This was one of the reasons that he was accepted into a very selective and competitive for his Grade 1 school. I’m so proud and excited for him!

Being transplants to the City, we struggled with finding a school for my son as he had never previously been in any group school environment with other children. He went from shy and quiet to a bright and curious boy with many friends and a love of reading! We could not believe the difference being at Mosaic Montessori has made for him and our family. We are so happy here and can’t wait for our younger child to start soon! Thank you, Mosaic!

- Daniel H.

Mosaic Montessori Academy is one of the most profound and exceptional schools in Calgary. Their knowledge and quality of teaching, with their supportive learning environment is absolutely amazing. I have seen my child develop reading and writing skills that I could not have taught them myself. The knowledge they have gained in various aspects of real life is amazing. Mosaic Montessori Academy has allowed me to unlock educational opportunities for my children that helped them build a strong foundation for their school years. Having my kids join Mosaic Montessori is the best decisions I have made for my kids. Thank you, Mr. & Mrs. Ali.

- Zahra H.

Montessori Method