About

Mission

The Montessori School educates children using the authentic Montessori approach, emphasizing self-confidence and respect for self and others. TMS encourages students to grow as self-motivated, engaged learners, leaders of the future, stewards of the earth, and ambassadors of peace.

Philosophy

The Montessori philosophy is central to the mission of The Montessori School. Our environment is respectful of the child’s unique path of learning, and is used as a guide in developing the adult he/she will become. The application of the sequential and rich Montessori curriculum as well as the gentle guidance of Montessori-trained teachers is wide-ranging:

• The prepared classroom stimulates interest, builds attention and focus, develops self-awareness and increases an understanding of the larger world.
• The classroom environment enables children to form values through free choice of purposeful activity and reflection on those choices.
• The physical environment allows children to move and to perfect movement.
• Three-year age groupings provide a setting for a positive social environment and offers children experience with roles as helper, observer, learner, teacher and leader.
• Children are given opportunities to develop independence, concentration, self-esteem and respect for all living things.
• The child’s self-construction is assisted through a personalized system of Montessori methods and materials.
• An atmosphere of love, peace and encouragement is sustained throughout the learning process.

Core Values

• Respect for self, for others, for our world
• Integrity in everything we do
• Patience with the development of the child
• Recognition that each of us is an ambassador of peace

History

Formerly known as New Horizons Montessori School, The Montessori School (TMS) was founded in Fort Washington in 1970 by a group of parents determined to provide quality Montessori education for their children through the sixth grade. Now located in Dresher in a renovated school building on a seven-acre campus, TMS consists of a Toddler Community (18 months–3 years), Children’s Houses (3’s, 4’s and 5’s), Lower Elementary (Grades 1–3) and Upper Elementary (Grades 4–6) classes, as well as before- and after-school Extended Hours Programs. Besides its academic curriculum, TMS offers programs in Environmental Science, Library, Music, Physical Education, Spanish and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

All faculty members are credentialed Montessori teachers, which means they have had extensive post -graduate education in child development, Montessori curriculum and philosophy. Additionally, they have been awarded the appropriate Montessori credentials for the age groups in which they teach. The Montessori School is accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) and is a member of the American Montessori Society (AMS), National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).

Through 40 years of scientific research with young children, The Montessori Curriculum was developed by Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator. The Montessori curriculum, method and philosophy are cited in current educational literature and research as embodying key learning skills identified for success in the 21st century. The Montessori method incorporates multi-age groupings of children, directed by teachers who facilitate the concept of individualized learning. Teachers adjust their material according to each student’s mastery of academic, intellectual and social learning, build students’ strengths and transform their weaknesses.

The Montessori School believes that full educational excellence flourishes within a diverse community. We strive to create an environment that fosters peace, embraces diversity and encourages a diverse population. Our goal is to promote inclusion and collaboration, supporting an environment of openness where the exchange of ideas is appreciated and encouraged. Through these efforts, members of our community are valued and understood.