Montessori-Inspired
Educational Programs
Children must be respected, they are naturally curious, and they spontaneously love to learn! It is a unique method that strives to meet each child where they are at, helping them stretch toward new learning while following their unique pathway of readiness to learn.
The Montessori method developed by Maria Montessori is founded on three simple truths:
Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) believed multi-age classrooms benefit all students, and we agree! Young children learn by observing older ones, while older students practice leadership skills in care and service to others. The Children’s House combines preschool and kindergarten-age students in one classroom.
Multi-age classrooms
What to Expect
in our classrooms
Upon entering our Montessori classrooms, one can’t help but notice a distinctly different atmosphere than that of a conventional classroom. Beautiful materials, neatly organized into subject areas of learning, are placed throughout the classroom. Children are quietly engaged in their work, at times receiving presentations individually or in groups of two or three from the teacher as guide, at other times working independently with materials at a table or on a mat on the floor. Unlike a conventional classroom, students are not all presented the same lesson at the same time, rather, the child’s interest, readiness, and individual needs drive their learning and direct the choice of the teacher’s next presentation to the student.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based, faith formation program which helps children develop their own relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Utilizing beautiful, hands-on materials, quiet contemplation of Scripture, and prayer, Children’s House through 2nd grade students spend time each week in “the Atrium,” learning about the life of Christ and his church, and growing in understanding, faith, joy, and love for God.
Unique materials and instruction
teachers as guides
Children in our Montessori-inspired classrooms are guided by teachers who have their K-6 teaching license and a North American Montessori Center diploma. They ensure important milestones are met while guiding each child to acquire that knowledge at their own pace and readiness. Students are encouraged to follow their unique interests which helps them develop independence, initiative, self-discipline, responsibility, and a lifelong love of learning.
focus on character
Within our school family, we learn to care for the environment and one another in a way that respects each other and creates a culture of peace where everyone can thrive.
Montessori education is focused on helping each child acquire an understanding of grace and courtesy and how to live in peace with one another.
To become fully licensed by the American Montessori Institute (AMI), our teachers would need to attend two out-of-state, six-week summer courses. This is not feasible for our staff nor budget.
Instead, our Children’s House and 1st grade teacher, along with one aide and the principal, received diplomas from the North American Montessori Center after a seven to nine-month online course. Out of respect for AMI’s standards, we proudly use the term ‘Montessori-inspired’.
Why Montessori-“inspired”?
Combined preschool and kindergarten
St. Mary’s Montessori
children’s House
To provide multi-aged, all-day preschool, St. Mary’s Montessori Children’s House obtained its child care license in 2023. In keeping with Dr. Montessori’s method, we combine our preschool (Children’s House 1 and 2) and kindergarten students (Children’s House 3) in the same environment. Students are able to progress through learning materials at their own pace. Three and four year-olds learn by watching older students work, and older students learn service and leadership. When students show readiness, new materials are presented to them.
Montessori-Inspired
Lower Elementary
In 2024, St. Mary of Mt. Carmel School extended its Montessori program to 1st grade, continuing to focus on each child’s individual learning path. Readiness for foundational skills like reading and math varies widely, and traditional, whole group lessons can leave some students feeling lost while others are unchallenged. The Montessori approach honors each child’s readiness for learning through careful teacher observation and personalized lessons that support their unique development.
Builds independence, critical thinking, and a love of learning
The benefits of Montessori education are many!
benefits for your child
Recognizes each child’s needs with an individualized learning plan
Fosters the idea of ownership over learning
Builds stamina and a work ethic through independent work
Teaches respect through lessons in grace and courtesy
Cultivates peace in the individual and the classroom
