The Montessori World Educational Institute is committed to
a scientific approach to education based upon careful research
on children and how they learn and develop. The starting point
for the Institute's work has been a developmental approach to
education, based 
upon scientific study of children,
developed in Europe throughout this last century by Dr. Maria
Montessori. The Institute's founding Educational Director, Margaret
Homfray, collaborated with Dr. Maria Montessori for over twenty-two
years, and established permanent Montessori teacher training centers
in England, Ireland, the United States, and Australia. Miss Homfray
was given the unique privilege of written authorization by Dr.
Montessori to grant the Montessori diploma.
Dr. Maria Montessori, internationally renowned child educator,
was a medical doctor who brought the scientific methods of observation,
experimentation, and research to the study of children, their
development, and education. The Montessori philosophy utilizes
the changing characteristics and sensitivities of each developmental
stage, and integrates and interweaves all curriculum areas. In
a Montessori classroom, children acquire knowledge through the
use of scientifically designed concrete materials which enhance
conceptual thinking and lead to abstract thought. This child centered
learning process respects individual differences and fosters self
motivation. Students learn at their own pace, and are free to
complete a project or pursue a subject as deeply as they wish.
Montessori education reveals the child to be a lover of work,
and understands the child's need to learn by doing. An active
self discipline is developed within each child which, with appropriate
guidance from the teacher, enables him or her to reach his or
her highest potential and achieve inner discipline and inner
satisfaction.
For answers to frequently asked questions about the Montessori Method of Education see Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about training in the Montessori Method of Education see Programs and Courses.