“Parents who choose Montessori soon discover that it’s more than an educational philosophy or a teaching method. In essence, it’s a way of life.”
Montessori education is based on the research, observations, and teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator. Dr. Montessori believed that a child’s natural development should guide their education. Teachers serve as “guides on the side, rather than sages on the stage,” creating environments that balance freedom and responsibility while encouraging respect, independence, order, coordination, and concentration.
Classrooms are intentionally mixed-age, so that children in different stages of development learn from one another while also progressing at their own pace. Specially designed Montessori materials engage the senses, encourage discovery, and allow children to recognize and correct their own mistakes. Lessons move from whole to part, concrete to abstract—supporting not just academic learning but the growth of the whole child.
Montessori as a Way of Life
Montessori doesn’t stop at the classroom door. For children to fully benefit, parents play an essential role by supporting consistency between home and school. Simple choices—encouraging independence, slowing the pace of family life, and allowing children to take real responsibility—help children experience Montessori as a way of living, not just a way of learning.
Meridian’s Approach
At Meridian, we honor the core tenets of Montessori while adapting them to the realities of modern children and families. Over the years, we have mindfully and deliberately mastered both the art and the science of evolving Montessori for the 21st century. As pioneers in this work, our experience and expertise are unmatched in carrying forward Dr. Montessori’s vision while ensuring it remains living, relevant, and accessible today. Our approach emphasizes mindful connection, sustainability, and a careful blending of tradition with innovation—keeping the philosophy alive and responsive to the world our children are growing up in.
For further reading on Montessori’s life and work, you may find The Montessori Foundation (montessori.org) a helpful starting point.