Fundamental Principles of Montessori Schools

Principle 1: Classes are mixed-age and non-graded

• Mixed-age classes comprise at least three-year groupings corresponding to the Planes of Development: 0-3, 3–6 ect

• Mixed-age groups are not correlated to grades, nor are they divided in other ways according to achievement levels or normative standards.

Principle 2: extended period of uninterrupted self-chosen activity 

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• accommodate an extended period of uninterrupted self-chosen activity

• a period during which children can choose their own activity and work undisturbed for a minimum of three hours

Principle 3: Rewards and Punishments are not used in a Montessori environment

Principle 4: A prepared environment is a critical component of Montessori

• Serves the developmental and pedagogical needs of the children using it;

• Supports freedom of movement, speech and association;

• Supports free choice of activity;

• Facilitates normalization and valorisation;

• Includes a full range of Montessori materials appropriate to the age for which it is prepared.

Principle 5: The adults in the Montessori environment exhibit and apply the principles of Montessori

• A disposition of respect and patience towards the child;

• An ability to balance the principle of non-intervention while at the same time not abandoning the child;

• Trust in Montessori principles, methodology and pedagogical aims;

• Seeing the role of the adult as primarily observer, scientist and interpreter of the environment rather than as a teacher in the conventional sense;

• Guiding the child to normalization and development appropriate to each Plane of Development.

Principle 6: Montessori schools develop curriculum guidelines which conform to the vision of child development and the educative goals outlined by Maria Montessori