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The Montessori Method, which is based on the work of dr. Maria Montessori, can be thought of as an "aid to life" - a means of helping the child achieve his fullest potential. Dr. Montessori was born in 1870, and in 1896 she became the first woman to graduate from the University of Rome with a medical degree. While working at the Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Rome, Dr. Montessori focused her attention on children with special needs. Through her years of work and observation with many children throughout the world, she found that the environment had tremendous influence on the development of the child. Dr. Montessori discovered the unique way that young children acquire knowledge and culture and prepared a learning environment that greatly benefited all children. on January 6, 1907, Maria Montessori opened her first "Casa de Bambine", or Children's House, which was a school for young children below six years of age. Dr. Montessori has much success in her new undertaking. This success has continued until the present, with Montessori schools throughout the United States and in countries throughout the world. The Ridgemont Montessori School was established in McLean in 1965 and is dedicated to offering a joyful and supportive learning environment. We realize that each child is a unique individual with different needs. We are sensitive to this diversity and provide a classroom environment where children develop a love of learning and a curiosity about the world in which they live. Our students learn at their own pace in a cooperative atmosphere where they are encouraged to make choices in order to develop a sense of independence and self-worth. Manipulation of our classroom materials provide concrete learning experiences and the joy of discovery. We believe that the experiences our children have today will shape tomorrow. "The first few years of a child's life are the most formative
years. It is a time when children effortlessly absorb concepts and habits. It
is also the period when roots for a love of learning are established." |
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