Key Concepts of Montessori Education

Montessori education is committed to promoting quality education for all children from birth to 18 years based on several key concepts.

THE PROCESS

• Its purpose is to foster autonomous, competent, responsible, adaptive citizens who are lifelong learners and problem-solvers.
• Learning occurs in an inquisitive, cooperative atmosphere.  Students increase their own knowledge through self and guide  initiated experiences.
• Learning takes place through the senses.  Students learn through  manipulating materials and interacting with others.  These  meaningful experiences are precursors to the abstract understanding of ideas.
• The individual is considered as a whole. The physical, emotional, social, aesthetic, and cognitive needs and interests are inseparable and equally important.
• Respect for oneself, others, the environment, and life is necessary to develop a caring attitude towards all people and the planet.

THE GUIDES

Guides are educated in the Montessori philosophy and  methodology appropriate to the age level they are teaching, and have the ability  and dedication to put the key concepts into practice.  The Montessori guide is educated in the following areas:

• Human growth and development
• Observational skills in order to match students developmental needs with materials an activities. Observational skills allow the guide to lead  students in creating individual  plans of learning.
• An open-ended array of suggested learning materials and activities which empowers guides to design their own developmentally responsive,  and culturally relevant learning environment.
• Teaching strategies that support and facilitate the unique and total growth of each individual.
• Classroom leadership skills that foster a nurturing environment, which is physically and  psychologically supportive of learning.

After BGMS

Students at BGMS are being prepared for life, not merely for another level of  schooling.  Therefore, it is  no wonder that when the time comes for students to transition to other schools, they have the academic and social skills which allow them to be successful.  When our students move on to other schools, both traditional and non-traditional, public and private, they all consistently attest to the unique qualities that our graduates possess; self confidence in new situations, respect for the work and individuality of others, love of learning, and self discipline.  Upon graduation, these values not only serve them in higher education, but throughout life, as well.