Nashville's 1st Montessori Free Public Charter School
Opening August 2025 for grades Pre-K to 2nd Grade
The Montessori Method
The Montessori Method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over a century ago, is a revolutionary approach to education that focuses on the whole child. Unlike traditional education, which often relies on rote learning and standardized testing, Montessori education emphasizes self-directed learning, hands-on activities, and collaborative play.
In a Montessori classroom, you’ll see children engaged in a variety of activities, working independently or in small groups with specially designed learning materials. These materials are thoughtfully crafted to stimulate curiosity and encourage deep understanding. Children are given the freedom to explore topics at their own pace, fostering a love of learning and intrinsic motivation.
Dr. Montessori’s method stands out for its focus on the holistic development of the child—cognitive, emotional, social, and physical. The classroom environment is designed to nurture respect, independence, and a sense of community. This approach not only enhances academic skills but also cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong passion for learning.
By respecting each child’s individual learning style and pace, Montessori education provides a personalized learning experience that differs significantly from the one-size-fits-all model of classical education. It’s an education for life, preparing children to become thoughtful, compassionate, and proactive members of society.
When a child is given a little leeway, he will at once shout, ’I want to do it!’ But in our schools, which have an environment adapted to children’s needs, they say, ‘Help me to do it alone.’
DR. MARIA MONTESSORI, THE SECRET OF CHILDHOOD
What Are Some
Components
That Make a
Montessori
Classroom
Different?
MULTI-AGE
CLASSROOMS
A key component of the Montessori method is the multi-aged classroom. With this design, students can work as both the student and the teacher. They enter the classroom as students, learn to work as peers, and graduate as mentors.
CHILD-LED
LEARNING
The curriculum is adapted to fit around the child’s interests and abilities. Children are given the space to freely engage in deep concentration, problem solving, and practice. Teachers observe and serve as guides, introducing children to challenging new material when they are ready.
PREPARED
ENVIRONMENT
Classrooms are designed deliberately as are the materials within. Rooms are layed out in a way that allows students to engage with materials at their own pace. Some materials are available year round while other are introduced as they fit within the needs of the learner.
For Additional
Montessori Resources
