Montessori Education
The Montessori Method of education is an educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, who worked with children in the slums of Italy. Her goal was liberation and equity—not education elitism. A Montessori education seeks to activate each child's natural desire to learn. It is characterized by uninterrupted blocks of work time, multi-age classrooms and child-directed work. In a Montessori classroom, children are given the freedom to choose their own work and move around the classroom, but they must follow clear and consistent boundaries. The Montessori classroom has students across grades. Classrooms are thoughtfully organized spaces with books and learning objects that are engaging, accessible, and designed for children to use on their own with teacher guidance. Students receive instruction and direction from teachers responding to their developmental needs.
People of color have a significant presence in Montessori education, stemming from Black educators' use of the philosophy to offer alternatives to segregated schools and to serve marginalized communities, particularly during the Civil Rights Era and the early 20th century. W.E.B Du Bois was a prominent figure in the early history of the Montessori movement for Blacks. This history is documented in Hidden Black Voices in the History of Montessori Education by Angela Murray, Luz Johnson, Ayize Sabater and Kiara Clark. Today it is estimated that 10-15% of Montessori students in the U.S. are Black, but fewer than 1-in-10 Montessori teachers identify as Black.
The DMV is the home location of the Black Montessori Fund, which advances the participation of people of color in Montessori education. There are over 50 Montessori schools in the DMV area including independent Montessori schools and public charter Montessori schools. Two Montessori schools will be represented at the BSF & LSF School Fair and are listed below.
Aidan Montessori School
Aidan Montessori School is a co-ed, independent private school for children between 18 months through grade 6 and is located in Washington, D.C. It is the oldest Montessori school in the District of Columbia.
Oneness Family School
https://www.onenessfamily.org/
Oneness-Family School is a Pre K- 12 independent, coeducational day school whose lower-school campus is in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and its upper-school campus is in Kensington, Maryland. Oneness places an emphasis on mindfulness, social-emotional development, and leadership skills.