An Education Built on How Children Grow
Before you choose a program, it helps to understand the method behind every AIA classroom, one built on more than a century of observing how children actually learn.
Developed by an Italian physician who watched, before she taught.
Dr. Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator who, in the early 1900s, began developing her method through careful scientific observation of how children naturally learn, concentrate, and grow. Rather than starting with a curriculum and asking children to adapt to it, she built an approach around the child, observing what genuinely captured their attention and designing hands-on materials and environments around it.
More than 100 years later, that same foundation, respect for the child, hands-on discovery, and learning at an individual pace, still shapes every AIA classroom, from our youngest 18-month-old learners through our 8th grade Middle School students.
What makes a classroom Montessori.
The Prepared Environment
Every material has a home, sized and placed for the child, encouraging independence from the moment they walk in.
Hands-On Materials
Carefully designed materials allow children to experience abstract ideas concretely, supporting understanding before and alongside symbolic and verbal work.
Multi-Age Classrooms
Three-year age spans let younger children learn by watching older peers, and older children deepen understanding by mentoring.
Uninterrupted Work Time
Long, unhurried work periods let children follow their own curiosity to real depth and concentration.
Respect for the Child
Guides observe before they intervene, treating every child as a capable, curious individual, not a student to be managed.
“The essence of independence is to be able to do something for one's self.”
Want to go deeper on the method?
These organizations are excellent starting points if you'd like to learn more about Montessori education before your visit.
American Montessori Society
A leading Montessori membership organization offering research, teacher credentialing, and family resources.
Visit AMS →Association Montessori Internationale
Founded by Maria Montessori herself, AMI maintains international standards for authentic Montessori training.
Visit AMI →International Montessori Council
A global community connecting Montessori schools and educators. AIA is a proud member.
See Our Affiliations →