The membership of Montessori Schools of Connecticut (MSC) will join more than 5,000 public and independent Montessori schools across the nation and around the world, for the week long observance and celebration of Montessori Education Week, February 27 through March 2.

MSC, whose membership includes public magnet and independent--not for profit, as well as proprietary--Montessori schools, was formed in 1984 to protect and promote the practice of Montessori principles across the state. MSC schools create child centered environments where children can follow their natural drive and curiosity to learn and explore while developing capability, initiative, interpersonal skills, academic strength, emotional literacy, and a strong sense of self.

Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman to graduate as a doctor of medicine in Italy, opened her first “Casa dei Bambini” over 106 years ago, for approximately 50 children ages three through six in the poverty ridden area of San Lorenzo in Rome. Her approach, still practiced today in authentic Montessori schools, is based on observations of the child’s natural tendency to explore and learn. During her life of study and research, Dr. Montessori designed curriculum, created and modified hands-on teaching materials and furniture, and prepared environments specifically responsive to the child’s stage of development.

Having lived through two World Wars, Dr. Montessori’s vision for education was one of peace. She said “Establishing lasting peace is the work of education; all politics can do is keep us out of war." She saw the child as “the hope and the promise of mankind” and her work in educating for peace earned her six Nobel Peace nominations .

 Dr. Montessori’s keen insights into human development continue to be confirmed by current day research into teaching methods and brain-based learning. Studies directed by researchers such as neuroscientists, Drs. Adele Diamond and Steven Hughes, and psychologist Angeline S. Lillard dispel the concepts of education based on a common standard and approach. Montessori’s work continues to be prominently placed for nationwide consideration in educational reform with evidence to serve and prepare children for the needs and challenges of the 21st century.

While not all Montessori schools closely follow Dr. Montessori’s principals--the Montessori Method was never patented--MSC member schools are affiliated with one of the two key Montessori organizations: American Montessori Society (AMS) or Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). MSC schools with elementary programs are accredited by the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) or by The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Both organizations are recognized by the Connecticut Department of Education as accrediting agencies for the state. Montessori programs serving only children six years old and younger are licensed through the Department of Public Health.  

With the increased popularity and number of Montessori schools around the country and the world serving children aged 6 months to high school age the MSC community celebrates generations of Montessori students eager to make a difference and a contribution to our communities and our world. Interested parents, professional educators, and college students are encouraged to contact their local Montessori school in Connecticut for more information and to observe Montessori in action. 

Famous People Who Were Montessori Educated:

Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon
David Blaine, magician
Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google
Julia Child, celebrity chef and author
George Clooney, actor
Sean “P Diddy” Combs, media mogul
Peter Drucker, management guru
Cami Cotler, actress
John Cusack, actor
Joan Cusack, actress
Dakota Fanning, actress
Anne Frank, author
Katharine Graham, former editor and owner of the Washington Post
Melissa Gilbert, actress
Friedensreich Hundertwasser, artist
Helen Hunt, actress
Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Nobel Peace Prize winner for literature
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, former First Lady and editor
Yo Yo Ma, cellist
Larry Page, co-founder of Google
Taylor Swift, singer/songwriter
Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia
Will Wright, computer game designer
Princes William and Harry, British Royal Family

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