A classical/Montessori approach to education places the child, rather than the teacher, at the forefront of the educational experience. The curriculum is both rigorous and comprehensive, yet tailored to the child’s readiness and disposition. The mastery-based approach equips children with skills necessary for independent inquiry and encourages them to learn through intrinsic motivation and authentic experiences. Teachers are guides/tutors/facilitators who strive to prepare the learning environment in such a way that children are inspired by their work and free to learn through movement and hands-on exploration. Lectures are brief and infrequent. Most learning happens independently, or in one-on-one and small group sessions. Weekly progress is tracked through individual work contracts, and all work is compiled in organized portfolios. While core subjects are the focus of daily learning, enriching electives are embedded throughout the daily work cycles. A classical/Montessori approach is focused on building a sustained love of learning that transforms children into independent, thoughtful, capable, kind, and resilient human beings. It is expected that parents and families will fully support their learners in these goals.
