The History of Maria Montessori!
Maria Montessori's life and work are marked by groundbreaking achievements in education and child development. She believed strongly in the potential of children to shape a better future for humanity through their development and education.
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Maria Montessori was born in 1870 in Chiaravalle, Italy. Despite facing societal barriers, she pursued higher education and became one of Italy's first female physicians, graduating from the University of Rome in 1896.
Montessori's interest in education was sparked during her work at the University of Rome's psychiatric clinic. She began developing her educational philosophy while working with children with disabilities, observing their unique learning abilities and needs.
In 1907, Montessori opened the Casa dei Bambini, or "Children's House," in a low-income district of Rome. This was a groundbreaking educational environment where she implemented her method, emphasizing independence, freedom within limits, and hands-on learning materials.
The success of the Children's House led to Montessori's method being adopted in Italy and later internationally. Montessori training centers were established, and her approach gained recognition for its effectiveness in nurturing children's natural development.
Montessori's method gained popularity worldwide, leading to the establishment of Montessori schools in many countries. She also wrote several books on education and child development, further spreading her ideas.
Maria Montessori continued to advocate for children's rights and education throughout her life. She traveled extensively, lecturing and training teachers in her method. She passed away in 1952, but her legacy lives on through the continued use and evolution of the Montessori Method in schools worldwide.
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West Side Montessori is an independent, accredited Montessori school educating children 13 months through 8th grade (preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, and middle school). We are one of the leading private schools in Toledo and the nation.
WSM does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic origin, race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability in the administration of its admission policy, educational policy, or any school-administered program.
WSM does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic origin, race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability in the administration of its admission policy, educational policy, or any school-administered program.