The Montessori system of education is both a philosophy of child development and a rationale for guiding such growth. It is based on the work of Maria Montessori, (1870-1952), the first woman in Italy to qualify as a physician; her system focuses on the child's developmental needs for freedom within limits, as well as a carefully prepared environment which guarantees exposure to materials and experiences. Through this, the child develops intelligence as well as physical and psychological abilities. It is designed to take full advantage of the child's desire to learn and the child's unique ability to develop his/her own capabilities.

Country Meadows Montessori (CMM) was founded in 1995 to foster a love of learning and to educate children as to how to be caring, socially-responsible citizens in their community.  CMM seeks to educate the whole child, applying the Montessori philosophy.  CMM follows the tenets of Dr. Montessori by offering a truly child-centered and multi-sensory environment. The curriculum, classroom, and teacher’s role are all carefully designed to honor self-paced growth while encouraging group awareness and social cooperation.

In the classrooms, each curriculum area has its own set of materials placed on child-sized shelves to allow for free choice. The curriculum is presented in an ordered fashion through lessons and is also sequenced on the shelves from simple to more difficult, concrete to abstract. The Montessori program is designed to provide integrated age-appropriate experiences in the areas of math, language, sensory, practical life, and science and geography. The emphases of the curriculum are to empower children of all learning styles and to develop their independent growth.

The classroom materials isolate a specific skill or concept. Children choose materials and work at their own pace, uninterrupted, often repeating a process many times. This practice allows for the inner mastery of the isolated skill the material offers.

CMM certified Montessori teachers takes an active role in the education of each child, presenting individual lessons based on keen observation of the child’s work choices and interests as well as the child’s developmental readiness in each area of learning. The Montessori teacher also creates small-group and whole-class lessons and activities to promote social interaction and cooperation and to provide diverse learning opportunities.

CMM is committed to providing our students with a rich and varied social environment. CMM offers multi-age groupings where children learn from each other and help one another, both academically and socially. Our school houses a diverse group of individuals. Many students, parents, and staff members are bilingual, and many nations are represented in this microcosm of the world.

While a nurturing environment is vital to a child’s ability to thrive, Montessori students also take responsibility for their own education. CMM students learn how to process information, experience success, and think independently and creatively. Given the freedom, encouragement, and skills to be self-sufficient in their classroom community, these children acquire the tools, both academic and social, that will help them throughout their lives.