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About Us

Philosophy

Our Montessori approach is found in our Infant Program through Lower Elementary. We gradually ease into a more traditional approach in Upper Elementary to prepare our students for Middle School.

child working in outdoor classroom

The Montessori Approach

Manhattan Academy was founded in 1975, based on the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. A woman ahead of her time, she developed a methodology that enables each child to satisfy their own intellectual needs at their own pace, along with a crucial development of self-worth.

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The Montessori Method is a child-centered educational approach. It has been time tested, with over 100 years of success in many different cultures throughout the world. It is a belief that the child is naturally eager for knowledge and is capable of initiating learning in a supportive and thoughtfully prepared environment. The Montessori approach values the human spirit and the development of the "whole child" - physical, social, emotional and cognitive.

Montessori in Practice

Our Montessori classrooms are structured to promote a sense of self-direction within our students. Each classroom is filled with specific, self-correcting Montessori materials that allow children to spot their own errors. Research has proven time and again that the manipulation of these materials allows a child to better understand concrete principles of math and language. Moving to more abstract concepts later in a child’s education is done with a deep understanding, not just a rote memorization of facts. An enthusiasm for learning stays with the child for a lifetime.

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Our highly educated and trained Montessori teachers prepare the child's environment in a way that will invite the highest level of learning, and guide children throughout their learning activities. In a traditional school, the teacher is made to be the one source of information. In a Montessori environment, however, the child draws on tremendous interaction with his environment and materials. The teacher’s role becomes one of a facilitator.  Children are entrusted with an age-appropriate sense of independence in choosing many of their activities, practicing practical life skills and collaborating with their classmates.

child using Montessori math materials
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