Montessori is more than just an educational approach; it is a worldwide movement with over fifteen thousand schools across 154 countries. It empowers children and nurtures the changemakers our world needs today.

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Dr Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, educator maverick, and innovator, transformed education by understanding how children learn naturally. Her groundbreaking approach, the Montessori Method, has grown into a global movement with thousands of schools worldwide.

 

Maria Montessori was born in 1870 in Chiaravalle, Italy, and raised in Rome. Immersed in libraries, museums, and schools, she developed an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Breaking societal norms, Maria pursued education in fields traditionally closed to women, beginning with engineering before turning to medicine. In 1896, she became one of Italy’s first female physicians—a testament to her determination and brilliance.

 

Initially focusing on psychiatry, Maria’s interest turned to education. Observing children with developmental differences, she challenged prevailing teaching methods and pioneered an approach rooted in careful observation and respect for the child. Her methods yielded remarkable progress, and she was appointed co-director of a special education institute, where her innovative ideas began to flourish.

 

The Montessori Movement truly began in 1907 with the establishment of the Casa dei Bambini (Children’s House) in San Lorenzo, Rome. Here, Maria created a prepared environment filled with carefully designed materials that empowered children to learn independently.

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She observed how children absorbed knowledge from their surroundings, cultivated concentration, and exhibited self-discipline—all without the imposition of traditional authority.

 

Her work captivated educators, journalists, and public figures, sparking a global movement. By 1910, Montessori schools had spread across Western Europe and reached the United States. Maria devoted the rest of her life to advancing her child-centred philosophy, writing extensively, training educators, and promoting her vision worldwide.

 

A feminist and a pioneer, Maria also championed women’s rights and peace education, integrating these values into Montessori pedagogy. Her resilience and dedication saw her navigate turbulent times, including exile during World War II, during which she continued her work in India.

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Maria Montessori passed away in 1952, leaving behind an enduring legacy that continues to shape education worldwide. Her philosophy—one that respects the individual, fosters curiosity, and celebrates lifelong learning—remains at the heart of Central Coast Montessori today.