The quote above succinctly summarizes the main idea behind Montessori philosophy. Please read on for more details about Montessori philosophy:

• What is Montessori?
• Is Montessori Right for You?
• The Elementary Child
• Our Philosophy

Additional Resources

If you would like to read more about the Montessori approach, we suggest these books:

• The Secret of Childhood, Montessori, Maria, Orient Longman, 1975.
• Education and Peace, Montessori, Maria, Henry Regnery Co., 1972.
• Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius, Lilliard, Agneline Stoll, Oxford University Press, 2005.
• Montessori Today, Lilliard, Paula, Schocken Books Inc., 1996.
• Montessori: A Modern Approach, Lilliard, Paula, Schocken Books, 1988.

A more extensive bibliography of books and articles on Montessori philosophy, methodology and parenting can be found at the Montessori Foundation's on-line library. Some articles that may be of interest are listed below:

• The Characteristics of an Authentic Montessori School
• Finding the Right School for your Child
• Montessori 101: Some Basic Information that Every Montessori Parent Should Know
• Why Montessori for the Kindergarten Year?
• Joyful Scholars: Montessori for the Elementary Years