PHILOSOPHY

Aidan begins with a deep respect for children as unique individuals. There is a concern for the development of the whole child—social and emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual. An underlying purpose of an Aidan Montessori School education is to aid the child in independence and self-formation by creating an environment that can unlock the inherent potentials and intelligences within each child.

 

GOALS OF LEARNING Skills & Processes communicating thinking reasoning problem solving representing decision making personal management Knowledge & Understanding of Our World fine arts social systems humanities science & technology health & fitness team, cooperative & individual recreational arts Dispositions self-respect self-confidence initiative curiosity respect for others personal/social responsibility aesthetic appreciation

We embrace the Montessori pedagogy, which is based on universal principles of child development, as sound theory and practice for teaching and learning. And we look to accepted current research to inform our evolving understanding of human development. Recognizing the many differences in learning rates and styles, we believe in individualizing each child’s school experience for the fullest development of his or her potential. We embrace the concept of a multi-age, 3 year age span classroom community as optimum for academic, social and emotional learning. We believe that the dynamic classroom requires a sufficient gathering of children (24-28 students) to operate effectively. We value cooperation over competition and believe that each child’s work and behavior should be evaluated on his or her inherent capacity rather than by comparison.

Our Montessori Tradition Since its founding in 1961, Aidan has remained centered and steadfast in its mission as a Montessori school. Over the years, Dr. Maria Montessori’s ideas have had a profound effect and growing influence on education. However, while individual elements find their way into traditional programs, a fully implemented Montessori model is so comprehensive in scope and sequence that it is quite distinct. Aidan represents such an academic model and offers it as a clearly optimum environment for learning, for preparation for the future, and for developing the necessary skills and dispositions for citizenship in a democratic society.