Dr. Montessori said that “Education as an aid to life should be a source of joy.” The Ruffing Montessori School embraces that philosophy by providing a learning environment that helps children to learn how to learn, find meaning in knowledge and prepare to become citizens of the world. The teacher (Director/ess) becomes a guide, mentor, trained observer and child development expert – the catalyst of the student’s potential. The child then becomes an elated explorer, independent thinker, compassionate collaborator and thoughtful researcher.

Some of the foundational aspects of Montessori Philosophy are:

1. Children should be encouraged to follow their own interests.
   Freedom of movement to interact with peers and chose activities nurtures the excitement of learning. Maria Montessori saw freedom as the single most important factor in allowing children to develop as spontaneous, creative individuals.
   
   
2. Children naturally love to learn and are internally motivated.
   The classroom is a responsive environment prepared with multi-sensory, sequential and self-correcting materials to support self-directed learning and the development of independence. The focus is on the process, not the results.
   
   
3. Children learn at their own pace and level.
   Small group instruction enables the child to perfect his/her natural tools for learning in a productive, unhurried manner without competition or comparison with others.
   
   
4. They learn about similarities in people which lead toward understanding and peace.
   The curriculum emphasizes geography, history, world cultures, community service and peace education, promoting a global perspective.
   
   
5. Children learn universal values and the dignity of each individual.
   Self-discipline is acquired gradually through absorption in meaningful work. The child is guided by respect for the teacher, for the work of others and respect for the materials themselves.
   
   
6. They practice stewardship of the earth through integration of the “green curriculum.”
   Students learn that human beings are custodians of the earth and have responsibility for an environment that sustains life.
   
   
7. Freedom and self-discipline become parallel paths.
   According to Maria Montessori, “A child’s work is to create the person she/he will become.” Self-construction requires purposeful movement, exploration and discovery. Growth requires freedom to use inborn powers to develop physically, intellectually and socially. A Montessori classroom provides this freedom within the limits of an environment that encourages a sense of order and self-discipline. Children thrive on order and structure.
   
   
8. All classes are multi-aged.
   In a three-year period, children experience being the youngest, middle-aged and the oldest in the community. They learn, they practice and they teach other students. In this way, they reinforce their own learning, watch and listen to older students and actively support one another.