The Essence of a Pioneer Montessori Education

Three-Year Cycle in a Multi-Age Classroom

Like all Montessori classrooms, students at Pioneer Montessori School spend three consecutive years in the same environment with the same guide (teacher). There are three unique perspectives within this cycle that the child undergoes for the whole school year. The first year is when the child feels what it is like to be new at something. The second year is when they experience what it is like to be the “middle child.” The third year is when they mentor other students and shine as leaders of the room.

The child lives in each role multiple times throughout childhood (Primary, Lower Elementary, and again in Upper Elementary). This reinforces their ability to start something new and recognize that connection is gradual and often hard work. Additionally, the mentoring between younger and older students that happens daily is a beautiful and important piece of each high-functioning classroom “society.” To anyone visiting campus, our mixed-age classrooms are full of mentoring opportunities- watching, listening, trying, teaching, doing, and ultimately, encouraging the development of conscientious, community-minded citizens.

The Prepared Environment

Dr. Maria Montessori wrote, “Education is a natural process carried bout by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by his experiences in the environment.” There are three essential elements of a prepared environment. First, there is the prepared adult who understands the child’s development, who can maintain a beautiful and orderly environment and connect the children with the materials at the ideal time of readiness. Each of our guides has successfully completed a post-bachelor, multi-year Montessori training at an accredited training center and continue to take related courses to deepen their knowledge. The second element is the brilliantly and strategically designed materials which allow for self-discovery and self-correction. The last element is the group of children who are in the same plane of development, while on their own path of learning.

Love of Learning

It is through the experience of an authentic Montessori education that a student at our school comes to have true ownership over their learning and growth. A child’s innate desire to learn is fostered with their active participation. With the support of a trained Montessori guide, the child’s experience becomes one of individual accountability, mastery, respect and most importantly, joy! The result of all this hard work is a passionate, engaged, and curious life-long learner.

Dr. Maria Montessori said, “The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” At Pioneer Montessori School, we develop both in order to serve and prepare our students for the rest of their lives.