-
Follow and promote the educational philosophy as envisaged by Dr. Maria Montessori.
-
Follow and promote the aims of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).
-
Follow the AMI principles for Montessori schools.
-
Each primary/elementary class has one directress/director who holds an age-appropriate diploma from AMI.
-
Presentations are always given by the AMI-trained Montessori person.
-
Each classroom has a full range of Montessori educational apparatus for the appropriate age level, as recommended by the AMI training centres.
-
All children must attend classes five days per week.
-
Montessori primary classrooms (Casa) have no more than two adults (directress + assistant) for twenty-eight to thirty five students. Smaller classes may reduce pedagogical effectiveness.
-
Montessori primary classrooms (Casa) are designed for a three-year age mix to allow for both individual and social development (3-, 4- and 5-year-olds). Established classes have a balanced group with all second and third year children having previous Montessori experience.
-
Part-time primary sessions are offered only in the morning. Double sessions, where a second group of children uses the environment for the afternoon only, reduce Montessori quality and compromise program dynamics.
-
All classes have a three-hour uninterrupted work cycle from 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
-
Children must begin Montessori before the age of four, with the most ideal time being between ages 2 1/2 and 3 1/2.
-
Only children with primary (Casa dei Bambini) Montessori experience are admitted into elementary programs.
-
All directresses are requested to stay with the same class for at least three years.
-
All parents are offered and opportunity to participate in parents' educational events.
