About Montessori In The Woods
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide childhood education and care according to the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori.
The principles of this philosophy include individualized education and respect for the unique learning styles of each child.
The environment we provide for children is a blend of learning, fun, and development.
Montessori In The Woods is committed to the intellectual and spiritual growth of the entire family, encouraging parent participation, and offering parent support and education.
Montessori in the Woods is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
Founded in 1981, Erie PA
Our school, formerly Glenridge Montessori, was originally founded in 1981 in Erie, PA and was simply called “The Children’s House”.
In 2004 the school moved to its current location in Summit Township of Erie where it is now known as Montessori In The Woods.
In keeping with the traditions of the proven Montessori method, Montessori In The Woods provides a structured, challenging, and nurturing environment where children are given the tools to succeed in life. In addition, our unique campus, with over 6 acres of land allows students access to a wonderful outdoor curriculum.
We currently offer programs for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten students, with all-day Montessori childcare available for all age levels.
Montessori In The Woods is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation, operating with a Board of Directors.
About Montessori Education
Philosophy
The Montessori approach is based on the work of Dr. Maria Montessori and has been time tested for nearly 100 years, achieving success throughout the world. Her premise was that education should be an aid to life. In order to develop their physical, intellectual, and spiritual powers to the fullest, children must have freedom – a freedom to be achieved through order and self-discipline. Respect for a child’s personality and trust in their inner potential provide the foundation for a successful early childhood experience.
The Montessori approach is designed to assist each child in acquiring the social skills and self-confidence that are needed to fulfill his own potential. This is accomplished by building on interests, nurturing enthusiasm, and making activities available to fit individual needs.
Though much has been said about the academic achievements of Montessori children, the value lies in the self-discipline, self-mastery and love of learning that children achieve.
Children
Dr. Montessori observed that the young child’s natural response was to work for the joy and fulfillment of an activity. “No human being can truly be educated by another, but instead must do it himself or it will never be done.” – Maria Montessori
Our goal is to cultivate the child’s own natural desire to learn. In a Montessori environment, the children develop a positive self-image and a self-motivated approach to learning that will be beneficial for the rest of their lives. As children work in an environment that expects personal responsibility, they become more self-disciplined and achieve higher self-esteem. Since 1907, Montessori has been ahead of the curve with enlightened concepts such as math manipulatives, sensory experiences, cooperative learning, languages and cultures, and care of the person and environment. Experiences in art, music, movement and science are also parts of the curriculum.
At MITW, children learn in mixed age groups (ages 15 months to 3 years in the Toddler Program and ages 3 to 6 in the Primary Program). This empowers the older children to become role models for the younger ones and creates a feeling of community as younger children are aided by older ones who develop patience and leadership skills.
Guides
Dr. Montessori used the term “Guide,” rather than “Teacher.” The guide brings children into contact with the world in which they live, and the tools by which they learn about their world. Mutual respect for ourselves, each other and the world is of great importance. Our small class sizes allow students to benefit from powerful mentoring relationships with adults who will work with them for three very important years.
Our guides are certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and are further certified by American Montessori Society and the North American Montessori Center.
Parents
Parents are an integral part of the Montessori community and add to the spirit of the entire educational process. Parents involve themselves in their children’s educational activities on a regular basis, through observations, conferences with guides, parent education and parent volunteer hours. We see our parents as partners in the education process. We applaud their role in the children’s lives, and we definitely offer them support.
