Maria Montessori was an Italian physician, educator, and innovator, acclaimed for her educational method that builds on the way children learn naturally. She opened the first Montessori school—the Casa Dei Bambini, or Children’s House—in Rome on January 6, 1907. Subsequently, she traveled the world and wrote extensively about her approach to education, attracting many devotees. There are now thousands of Montessori schools in countries worldwide.
Children learn at their own pace based on their personal interests, instead of following a set curriculum within a specific time frame. They teach themselves with collaboration from a teacher, instead of sitting through teacher-led lessons. They’re active participants in their own learning, not passive listeners (which can often be the case in mainstream education). Understanding is promoted through the child’s experiences using materials provided, and their ability to discover things for themselves, rather than being limited to study within set subjects. Children can work where they feel most comfortable, move around and talk to others if desired, compared to sitting still in a chair listening to others. They are encouraged to develop self-discipline, rather than teachers being the primary enforcers of discipline. Children can work for as long as they like on a project with no interruptions, instead of being confined to set time periods. There are mixed-age groups, rather than only learning with those of the same age. Their education focuses on their intellectual development as well as their social, emotional, spiritual development, and practical and life skills, rather than being heavily focused on academic development and performance.
Two of the leading Montessori accrediting organizations are the American Montessori Society (AMS) and Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).
HCMS is a secular school and is not associated with a specific religion or belief. Dr. Maria Montessori is universally known for her contribution to the cause of peace and the brotherhood of nations, to which she dedicated the best years of her long and active life, laying the foundations of a true science of peace by means of an innovated form of education.
HCMS is a private, 501(c)3 non-profit school.
HCMS serves children ages 18 months through 8th grade.
HCMS is able to provide accommodations for some learning disabilities. Please contact our school for more information.
All HCMS lead teachers are credentialed through the American Montessori Society (AMS) or Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). In addition, all teachers must complete 30 hours of continuing education annually.
Tuition at HCMS ranges between $11,200-$17,000 for the 2023-2024 school year.
HCMS offers up to 60% tuition assistance for families with a financial need. Please visit our tuition assistance website page for more information.
Students at HCMS use didactic (specially-designed, hands-on), Montessori materials for educational instruction.
The multi-aged classroom allows for a more enriching, real-life experience where students are able to learn at their own pace and develop strong relationships with their peers and teachers. In addition, this environment encourages student-to-student mentoring and hones leadership skills.
In addition to high academic achievement, Montessori students incorporate real-life skills in their daily routines. Time management, independent thinking, and working collaboratively are skills that allow Montessori students to excel. HCMS students and alumni are leaders in their schools and communities. They are well-rounded individuals that are curious, motivated, and compassionate, and have a life-long love of learning. Please visit our alumni website page for additional information.
