Basic components of the Montessori program include:

Individualized Instruction

Learning starts with the child. The Montessori teacher observes the child's interests and abilities and creates an environment in which these can flourish. An integral part of the Montessori curriculum is that the teacher must respect and follow the child. The teacher's ability to be effective in this role is enhanced by an extended relationship over time.

The Prepared Environment

In a Montessori classroom, the children are surrounded by concrete materials that enhance and explain what they are absorbing or studying. The manipulation of these concrete materials is a critical component of the Montessori method. Through hands-on learning, children not only refine their physical coordination and increase their ability to concentrate, but they also develop a solid foundation for abstract thinking. In effect,the curriculum is always on display and the children are free to explore their interests in depth. The teachers' carefully prepared lessons facilitate the child's use of the materials.

Multi-Age Groupings

Every child works at his or her own level. Younger children learn through the observation of older children. Older children reinforce their own learning by helping younger children. Older children also have opportunities to develop leadership skills while serving as role models for the younger children. Cooperation and social responsibility are encouraged and a strong community develops. Children can and do develop relationships with other children who are not the same age.These may be social or academic relationships. The multi-age group allows for natural socialization far beyond what is found in homogenous age grouping.