About
Mission
Our goal is to provide outstanding Montessori education for the children at the preschool through elementary level, and an exemplary model of Montessori education for the community of Missoula.
Summit Montessori offers an optimum learning environment rich in language, mathematics, science, cultural studies and fine arts. Each child is enabled to realize their greatest potential and to become confident and contributing members of their community. Our approach to education begins with a deep respect for each child as an individual, and the understanding that each child’s individual growth is interwoven with responsibility toward others. In our classrooms children feel respected for their interests, vision, and needs. In this setting each child’s deep love of learning flows naturally.
All Summit Montessori curricula is developed from a foundation of best practices for Montessori education as set forth by the American Montessori Society and the Montessori Foundation. Our instruction is highly individualized, based on an understanding of each child’s interests, aptitude, and learning style. It is an environment where learning and work are seen as the means to happiness, self construction, and a deep love for others and the world.
Philosophy
The Montessori Philosophy is a way of observing each child individually to discover his or her unique personality, needs, tendencies and talents. Inherent in this philosophy is respect for each child’s choices, interests, ways of processing information and learning. It is a profound respect for and protection of the crucial periods of concentration and contemplation that guide the child and reveal the peaceful, happy human — kind, generous, focused, hard working, healthy and creative.
The Montessori prepared environment supports free movement in a beautiful and inspiring place. The world is introduced with joy, beauty and precise work with the hands and the mind. It is an environment where learning and work are seen as the means to happiness, self construction and a deep love for others and the world.
“The high academic achievement that usually accompanies Montessori education is merely a by-product of learning with joy.”
– Michael Olaf
Working to inspire and support the development of strong, successful Montessori schools around the world, and to provide clear answers to the questions that parents and educators ask about the Montessori approach.
Founded in 1929 by Dr. Maria Montessori to maintain the integrity of her life’s work, and to ensure that it would be perpetuated after her death. AMI’s activities include: providing guidance for AMI training courses, guiding the manufacturers recognized by AMI in the production of Montessori materials, overseeing the publication of Dr. Montessori’s books, organizing congresses and study conferences, and publishing the magazine “Communications”, and the “AMI Bulletin”.
NAMTA was founded in 1970 as an affiliate organization of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). It is a membership organization open to parents, teachers, and anyone interested in Montessori education. NAMTA provides a medium of study, interpretation, and improvement of Montessori education through its publications, audio-visual collection, electronic communications, conferences, and research and service projects throughout North America and the world.
There is no legal protection for the name Montessori. Thus it is important that anyone searching for a good Montessori school or training center be aware of this and know what to look for.The International Montessori Index was created to provide detailed information for those in search of high quality Montessori resources.
The AMS mission is to provide the leadership and inspiration to make Montessori a significant voice in education. The society advocates quality Montessori education, strengthens members through its services, and champions Montessori principles to the greater community.
North American Teachers Association’s Recommended Reading list on Montessori Education.