"There is a great sense of community within the Montessori classroom, where children of differing ages work together in an atmosphere of cooperation rather than competitiveness. There is respect for the environment and for the individuals within it, which comes through experience of freedom within the community."
DR. MARIA MONTESSORI
Some parents might find it a little daunting when they hear that we operate our Montessori classrooms with around thirty students. Initially, they cannot picture how a classroom would operate peacefully, and absent of chaos, with only two adults. The truth is we need these high, balanced numbers in our classrooms for the community to be built within. A true Montessori classroom should strive for this number of children, but the classrooms need to be balanced to work successfully. Balanced means that one third of the children are 3 years of age, one third of the children are 4 years of age and one third of the children are 5-6 years of age. Most of the 5/6 year olds, or kindergarten students, have been in the same class for 2 years prior. Additionally, the 4 year olds have typically been present one year prior. This means only about one third of the classroom community is new to the environment.
This component, along with the fact that the classroom functions as a community, always using each other as a resource, makes for a peaceful working environment. The children are able to go to one another for help or observe another child working on various materials. The classroom is in need of different children with a variety of different skills sets and interests to allow this observation to take place. In addition to the children using each other as resources, the classrooms are designed and prepared for the children to be independent. The adults do not spend the day cleaning up or consistently aiding the children with each work or task. The work and environment is made for them to go about the day successfully on their own. Parents walk away from a classroom observation not realizing the large number of students and are often impressed with the concentration and calmness of the room. We love our large class sizes and wouldn't have it any other way! Still not convinced? Come take a look for yourself!
