Since 1985, families have chosen Kirkwood Children’s House for both our nurturing approach and our academic program, which is based on the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. We share the fundamental belief that children learn best in a social environment that supports their unique strengths and potential.

Whole Child Approach
Maria Montessori said, “The child builds his innermost self out of the deeply held impressions he receives.” We understand our responsibilities as educators, and we take them seriously. In our school, each child is known and loved for the unlimited possibilities of who he or she will become. We inspire and challenge children to reach their own full potential and experience the infinite joy of learning.

Prepared Environment
Visitors often are surprised by the calm, ordered space where children work quietly on activities of their own choice, at their own pace. In our Montessori classroom, children experience both the freedom and self-discipline that lead to life-long independent learning and exploration. Outdoors, our private playground and gardens, hidden from street view, extend the Montessori classroom into a natural environment. As children explore and work in the garden, collect and identify leaves, label trees and observe cloud formations, they experience a sense of community, responsibility and self-discovery.

Montessori Materials
Maria Montessori observed that children learn best through direct hands-on contact with learning tools. The tools she developed are found in our classrooms today. Montessori Materials include a bright array of geometric forms, rods and blocks, knobbed puzzles and colored beads, each designed to teach a specific skill or level
of development. These self-teaching, self-correcting materials help children solve problems independently, develop analytical skills and experience true accomplishment.

Montessori Teacher
According to Dr. Montessori, the ideal teacher “follows” by guiding the child through activities without interfering with the experience. Our teachers encourage the child to embrace learning for its own reward, not for recognition or praise.

Kirkwood Children’s House is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS). All of our lead teachers have formal Montessori training and certification with AMS or Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) training programs.