What is Montessori?

“Montessori” is the only form of education based on the natural development of the child and was created by Dr. Maria Montessori.  The Primary Montessori classroom is a carefully prepared environment where children of mixed ages (3-6 years) work independently with Montessori materials, which are appropriate for each stage of their development. The children receive individualized lessons (also called presentations) with the Montessori materials in Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language, Zoology, Biology, and Geography by a trained educator, who is often referred to as a “Directress” or “Guide.”  This reference stems from the belief that the children in a Montessori environment are not being taught by the adult in the traditional sense of the word.  Rather they are being guided to choose the materials best suited for their particular stage of development which will allow them to teach themselves.

Our Program

Mountain Montessori is an authentic Montessori School providing a safe and nurturing learning environment for children 2 – 6 years of age. As the model school for the Greenville Montessori Institute (AMI Teacher Training Center) we provide and demonstrate the Montessori Method in its truest form.

Located on the north side of Paris Mountain in a rural setting, students will also experience time in the garden working towards a harvest, caring for our resident farm animals, and walks in the forest (native plant and animal identification). We also offer Art, Music, and Sewing as part of our daily program.

What is AMI, and what is an AMI Teacher?

AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) has a unique role as custodian of the history of the Montessori movement, maintaining the integrity of Maria Montessori’s legacy. In this role AMI is responsible for articulating Montessori philosophy and practice clearly in order to meet the needs of children and influence educational paradigms in a rapidly changing world. AMI is the only Montessori association founded by Maria Montessori, and was established to protect her work.

Being the model school for the Greenville Montessori Institute, all staff will be AMI Certified and under the direct supervision of an AMI Teacher Trainer. All teaching staff have successfully completed a rigorous 780 hour course in AMI Primary Montessori accredited by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.