What Is Montessori?
“The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”
— Dr. Maria Montessori
History
Dr. Maria Montessori (1870–1952) was a pioneering physician, scientist, and educator whose work transformed early childhood education. As the first woman in Italy to earn a doctorate in medicine, she combined her scientific training in philosophy, psychology, and anthropology to study how children learn. Her discoveries led her to conclude that many challenges in education arise not from children themselves, but from their environments and teaching methods.
In 1907, Dr. Montessori opened Casa dei Bambini (“Children’s House”) in Rome, Italy—her first school dedicated to supporting the natural development of children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through careful observation, she noticed that children flourished when given freedom within a structured environment. They exhibited calm focus, independence, and joy in learning when allowed to explore with purpose.
Today, more than 20,000 Montessori schools around the world—including over 5,000 in the United States—carry forward this vision. Montessori alumni include leaders and innovators such as Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, NBA athlete Stephen Curry, and PBS host Fred Rogers.
As the American Montessori Society explains:
“Given the freedom and support to question, to probe deeply, and to make connections, Montessori students become confident, enthusiastic, self-directed learners. They are able to think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly.”
The Montessori Approach
Montessori education is built upon respect for the child as a capable, curious, and intrinsically motivated learner. It emphasizes learning through all five senses—not just by listening, watching, or reading. In Montessori classrooms, students engage in hands-on exploration using carefully designed materials that encourage self-correction, concentration, and mastery at their own pace.
Children learn within multi-age communities that promote collaboration, leadership, and empathy. Older students naturally mentor younger ones, reinforcing their own understanding while building a sense of belonging and responsibility.
Planes of Development
Ages 0–6: The Absorbent Mind
Children learn effortlessly from their environment and develop foundational skills of movement, language, and order.
Ages 6–12: The Reasoning Mind
Students explore abstract thinking, imagination, and moral awareness through reasoning and discovery.
Ages 12–18: The Social Self
Ages 18–24: The Mature Self
Young adults refine their understanding of self and their place in the wider world.
Learning is not linear—it follows cycles of growth, reflection, and mastery.
Montessori at Sterling
At Sterling Montessori, our programs are designed to meet children’s developmental needs at every stage, fostering independence, curiosity, and responsibility. Under the guidance of certified Montessori educators, students choose from a wide range of activities within a prepared environment—a space intentionally organized to promote freedom within limits.
Our materials and lessons nurture the whole child: intellectual, physical, social, and emotional. Students learn to care for themselves, each other, and their environment, developing concentration, motivation, and a lifelong love of learning.
Sterling’s educators also understand that intellectual growth is deeply connected to social development. By cultivating respect, empathy, and community, we prepare students to become thoughtful, capable citizens who contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
Outcomes and Student Success
Today, Sterling Montessori serves more than 700 students, with annual waitlists of 600–1,500 families—evidence of our community’s deep trust and enthusiasm. We follow all North Carolina Charter School laws and uphold the standards of the American Montessori Society (AMS).
Our students develop the habits of lifelong learners: curiosity, collaboration, and confidence. Montessori research continues to show that children educated in this method are academically prepared, socially mature, and emotionally grounded—skills that serve them well beyond the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a Montessori school and a traditional school?
Is there a specific Montessori curriculum that must be followed?
Can Montessori be practiced at home?
Absolutely. Parents can apply Montessori principles by creating spaces that promote independence—such as letting children help with meal prep, gardening, and daily routines. The guiding principle is, “Help me do it by myself.”
Is Montessori right for all children?
What are the benefits at higher grade levels?
In upper elementary and middle school, Montessori programs expand into collaborative research, fieldwork, arts, and service learning. Students gain independence, problem-solving skills, and a sense of purpose that extends into civic engagement and lifelong learning.
Learn More
For a deeper understanding of Montessori philosophy, terminology, and home resources, visit the American Montessori Society’s guide.