The Montessori School of Westminster, Westminster

The Montessori School of Westminster Maryland is a unique, hands-on alternative to traditional educational settings: The environment is child-centered versus teacher-centered. The voice of the Director or Directress (also known as a "guide") is rarely heard above that of the children. Children of various ages work together or are engrossed in their own individual work in the classroom. A child’s age does not determine when they will move to the next level of the learning curve. Instead, children progress through the learning experience when they are ready both socially and academically. Older children have the opportunity to hear presentations again, reviewing and reinterpreting information, while younger children hear more advanced presentations and can be included when they are ready. The Montessori Director or Directress is trained to be a catalyst – and will guide, rather than teach. Within the carefully prepared learning center, a child is able to develop the person within to achieve his or her greatest potential. The Montessori approach to learning focuses on fostering a child's natural inquisitiveness and helps them to learn how to find the answers.