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The Inspiration behind the Jefferson Montessori
School
Maria Montessori was the first female to
graduate from the University of Rome Medical School and was a progressive,
inspiring educator who was devoted to initiating growth and change. According
to Montessori, "A child's work is to create the person she/he will become."
Children accomplish the task of self-construction through purposeful movement,
exploration, and discovery of their environment - both the things and people
within it. Children are given the freedom to develop physically,
intellectually, and spiritually. A Montessori classroom provides this freedom
within the limits of an environment, which develop a sense of order and
self-discipline.
Our namesake, Thomas Jefferson, was also
a man inspired to initiate great change. As
the author of our Declaration of Independence Jefferson drew on the classical
ideals for freedom and justice and combined these concepts with the
progressive vision of a new democracy. He,
like Montessori, was both traditional and progressive. Both
Montessori and Jefferson had a gift for putting new ideas into action.
At Jefferson Montessori School we
mirror these ideals in all aspects of our curriculum and classroom.
Our Mission
The mission of Jefferson Montessori
School is to provide both creative and stimulating intellectual, artistic,
and developmental experiences for the toddler, pre-school, and kindergarten
child. Utilizing the philosophy and methodology of Maria Montessori, Jefferson
Montessori strives to provide a rich environment for learning that fosters
total growth and enthusiasm for lifelong learning in each child.
Jefferson Montessori School,
established in 1987, provides the "prepared environment" essential to
Montessori education. This prepared classroom environment is comprised
of six interrelated areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, Social
Studies and Science. A full range of cultural experiences including drama,
music, poetry, cooking, art, storytelling, and field trips complement the
daily routine.
Children are free to talk and move
around, are stimulated by purposeful learning activities of their own
choosing, can discover and correct their own errors, and are treated with
respect and trust. All these factors help the children to develop an inner
discipline and a sense of responsibility. Jefferson
Montessori strives to instill in each child a sense of acceptance and
understanding through our diverse learning environment.
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The school is non-denominational and does
not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion,
sexual orientation, or disability in the admission of students, employment of
faculty, or administration of policies.
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