The child, in the process of development, has unlimited possibilities – the future rests on our ability to cultivate this potential.

To work in a Montessori environment is very unlike "teaching" in the traditional sense of the word. The Montessori approach offers a broad vision of education as an aid to the unfolding process of life. It succeeds because it draws its principles from natural human development.

During the course of development, children experience dramatic changes that require different environments to meet their developmental needs. Dr. Montessori metaphorically compares this process to the metamorphosis that a caterpillar undergoes to become a butterfly.

To "believe in the child" is to

• believe in the universality of the child's nature,
• characteristics, and potential

• recognize that children have special sensitivities and
• tendencies that guide their development in positive ways

• comprehend the potential of the child and trust in the
• spontaneous organizing power of the human mind

"...What have we done, what are we still doing, with this continual hope, this continual promise?"

Dr. Maria Montessori