Montessori Method

Maria Montessori started developing her methods in 1897 at the University of Rome.  

She opened her first Children’s House in Rome and based her methods on observation, materials, and environmental experimentation. The first Montessori school in the U.S. was opened in 1913 after gaining popularity with publications and educational programs. She then extended her methods to India and Southeast Asia through an internship she acquired during World War ll. By the 1960’s, Montessori methods had returned to the U.S. educational system. She went on to develop psychological models for the education of children up to age 24. Today there are nearly 4,000 certified Montessori schools in the U.S. and around 7,000 schools worldwide.