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Our School

Our Mission

Our mission is to follow the teaching philosophy of Maria Montessori through a well-prepared environment that meets the needs and challenges of all children. We strive for academic excellence through practical exercises in the areas of language, math, geography, science, sensorial and practical life. We commit to instilling in the child a natural and ongoing curiosity toward the world around him or her and create a true love of learning that will stay with the child throughout life. We strive to promote social graciousness and caring for each other and the environment.

To meet the needs of each child’s individual spirit, we allow him or her the freedom to explore, make mistakes, question and grow at a pace comfortable to the child. Our mission is to create an environment that allows a child to feel a sense of belonging, to feel safe and secure, and to develop and strengthen his or her self-esteem. We hold firm to the words of Maria Montessori herself, “The education of the very young child does not prepare him for school, but for life.”

Our Montessori Philosophy

Imagine if all children could fall in love with learning! What if children could discover new concepts at their own pace? In a Montessori classroom, children are joyful, peaceful and productive. Our students reach a potential far beyond most people would imagine. They are given the gift of time to truly think through their learning. They receive lessons and stories that strike their imagination and inspire questioning, thinking and dialogue. Below are some highlights of this creative educational philosophy:

  • The Montessori Method has been time-tested since 1906 and has achieved success throughout the world. It is the fastest growing educational method in North America, with over 1 million students in the United States.
  • The Montessori method addresses the whole personality of the child, intellectually, socially and physically. Children stay with the same teachers for three years. Imagine the strong connection the students make with the adults who care for them. This model fosters a true respect between students, teachers and the classroom community.
  • The teacher’s role is to give personal attention. The teacher will not interfere with a child’s exploration, but is readily available when help is required. We teach and assess each child individually.
  • Research shows that by age six, 80% of the personality is formed. This means that early childhood education is the most important time to develop lifelong skills, habits and perceptions about school. The Montessori curriculum includes multi-sensorial activities that develop cognitive and social skills during this critical time.
  • The Montessori curriculum includes lessons and practice in all academic areas including: reading, writing, mathematics, geometry, biology, geography, history, art, music, foreign language, and physical science. Teachers are highly trained to teach these subjects through an extensive Montessori credentialing program.
  • Children are in multi-age classrooms. Research strongly supports the mixed age group, offering children opportunities to teach each other and develop leadership skills.
  • There is a strong emphasis on language and mathematics. Because of our innovative, concrete materials, these areas are neither dull nor difficult. Learning is fun and easy when you provide lessons that are brain compatible with the natural process of acquiring knowledge. In fact, our students completely excel in these areas.
  • Concrete materials isolate each step of learning. Rather than giving a great deal of new information at once, the materials ease the children step by step until they reach the level of mastery. Some children reach mastery sooner than others. Each child is given the pace that works for his or her learning ability. When children do not feel rushed or confused, the learning process is truly enjoyable and easy. This method allows children the chance to become self-directed and self-motivated.
  • Emphasis is on the process of learning, not the product of a completed worksheet or test. Knowledge comes from the children asking questions, not being given the answers.
  • Our classrooms feel like a home environment. Children take care of pets, housekeeping, gardening, and hold regular classroom meetings to solve problems. In addition to academics, we also teach habits and skills that are useful throughout life.

Contact Us

  • Phone: (208) 939-6333
  • Email:  Principal: randi.ruzicka@montessoriacademyidaho.com ; Vice Principal: Leanna@montessoriacademyidaho.com