Explore Montessori & Early Childhood Schools in Columbus
Montessori schools embody a unique educational philosophy that emphasizes the importance of independence, self-directed learning, and a carefully prepared environment.
The Montessori philosophy of education is based on the belief that children are naturally curious and eager to learn. Montessori schools provide a child-centered environment where children can explore their interests and learn at their own pace.
Montessori teachers are trained to observe children and to provide them with the materials and guidance they need to learn. The Montessori curriculum is divided into three main areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, and Academic.
Practical Life activities help children develop their fine and gross motor skills, as well as their independence and self-confidence.
Sensorial activities help children develop their senses and their ability to discriminate between different objects and sensations.
Academic activities help children learn basic skills in math, language, science, and social studies.
Montessori schools also place a strong emphasis on social-emotional development. Montessori teachers help children develop their emotional intelligence and their ability to cooperate with others.
By employing credentialed Montessori teachers, mixed-age classrooms, a prepared classroom environment with Montessori materials, child-directed work, and uninterrupted work cycles, these schools foster an environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Credentialed Montessori Teachers: A Montessori school is characterized by the presence of highly trained and certified Montessori teachers. These educators undergo specialized training to obtain a Montessori teaching credential. They possess an in-depth understanding of child development principles and the Montessori philosophy. Credentialed Montessori teachers act as facilitators, observing and guiding students while promoting their natural curiosity and love for learning.
Mixed-Age Classrooms: In a Montessori setting, you'll find classrooms composed of mixed-age groups, typically spanning a three-year age range. This arrangement encourages collaboration, empathy, and social development among students. Younger children learn from their older peers, while older children reinforce their knowledge by teaching and mentoring younger ones. Mixed-age classrooms foster a sense of community, allowing students to progress at their own pace and find inspiration from others.
Prepared Classroom Environment and Montessori Materials: A hallmark of Montessori education is the carefully prepared classroom environment. Montessori classrooms are designed to be inviting and conducive to independent exploration. They feature a wide range of Montessori materials that are carefully selected and arranged to promote hands-on learning. These materials are specifically designed to engage children's senses and facilitate the development of various skills, such as fine motor skills, concentration, and problem-solving abilities.
Child-Directed Work: Montessori education places great emphasis on allowing children to take ownership of their learning. In a Montessori school, students have the freedom to choose their work based on their interests and developmental needs. This child-directed approach empowers students to follow their natural curiosity, explore different subjects, and dive deep into areas that capture their attention. Through self-directed work, children develop a sense of responsibility, independence, and a lifelong love for learning.
Uninterrupted Work Cycles: Montessori schools incorporate uninterrupted work cycles, which provide students with dedicated periods of time to engage in focused and meaningful activities. During these work cycles, students are encouraged to immerse themselves in their chosen tasks without external interruptions or time constraints. The absence of rigid schedules allows for deep concentration and fosters the development of essential skills like problem-solving, decision-making, and self-discipline.
There are many Montessori schools in Columbus, Ohio, each with its own unique philosophy and approach to education.
It is important to understand that Montessori is not a trademarked name. Due to this, any school can claim to be a Montessori school. Likewise, there may be schools that follow the Montessori approach closely but have not gone through accreditation.
There are two primary accreditation agencies for Montessori schools:
Association Montessori Internationale (AMI): Schools that are accredited through the AMI teach the original Montessori method in the strongest way possible. There are no AMI certified schools around Columbus.
American Montessori Society (AMS): The AMS certification is a deviation of the Montessori method. It allows teachers to use outside resources and materials including technology. There are no AMS accredited schools around Columbus though two of them (St. Joseph Montessori and Columbus Montessori Education Center) are on the AMS pathway.
Some of the most popular Montessori schools in Columbus include:
Columbus Montessori Education Center offers programs for children from six weeks to sixth grade. The school is located near Bexley.
Guidepost Montessori at Worthington offers programs for children from 12 weeks to six years. The school is also located in the Worthington.
St. Joseph Montessori School is a Catholic school that offers programs for children from preschool to eighth grade. The school near the Italian Village area of Columbus.
Villa Montessori is a private school that offers programs for children from infant to six years old. The school is located in the Northern Columbus (Polaris Area).
Community Montessori Columbus is a private school that offers programs for children from ages 2.5 to 6. The school is located in the Westerville area of Columbus.
Dublin Montessori is a private school that offers programs for children from ages 3-6. The school is located in the Powell area of Columbus.
Acton Academy Columbus is a Montessori-inspired school that includes a lot of aspects of the Montessori approach but also aspects of Reggio Emilia and Waldorf. Acton Academy Columbus offers programs for children ages 4.5 to 14. It is located in the Dublin area of Columbus.
Hilliard Montessori is a private school that offers programs for children from 18 months to 6 years. The school is located in Hilliard.
Pearlily Montessori is a private school that offers programs for children from ages 3-6. The school is located in Dublin.
New Albany Montessori is a private school that offers programs for children from ages 3-6. The school is located in New Albany, Ohio.
Montessori Children's House is a private school that offers programs for children from ages 3-6. The school is located in Clintonville, Ohio.