The program at the Yorktown Montessori School is based on the philosophy and work of Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator. Through her observational approach and respect for the potential of each child, she developed a unique method of education that enhances the child’s natural desire to learn in his or her environment.

In the prepared environment, children acquired an inner discipline from the process of learning at their own pace with the specially designed learning apparatus. By exploration and manipulation with the classroom materials in their activities, children gain self-confidence, develop a positive self image and in the meantime foster mutual respect among others children.

The Montessori classroom materials are specially designed apparatus for the different developing stages of the child. Each apparatus are made attractive and enticing that allows the child to focus on a particular quality. These are teaching aids that enable the child to experience and internalize the learning process. Each activity is called ‘work’, instead of play. Children learn abstract ideas and concepts from seeing and touching concrete materials.

In a Montessori classroom, teachers are called director or directress. The role of the director or directress is prepared the environment, offer activities, observe the child constantly in order to help the process of ‘learning how to learn’ and act as a reference person as well as an exemplar. The trained director or directress determines when the child is ready for the next level of exploration.

With the guidance of the director or directress, the children discover the joy of learning.