The classroom atmosphere encourages social interaction and partnership among the students. Multi-age grouping is an essential part of the Montessori philosophy. Each child can seek out his own level, work at his own speed, and pursue his own interests. Students age six through nine years old work together in the same classroom. Older children have the opportunity to hear lessons again, reviewing and reinterpreting information, while younger children hear more advanced presentations and aspire to be included.
Older children gain confidence when they help the younger child by reviewing basic concepts.
By teaching, they learn and through learning they teach. The main purpose of the Montessori method is to provide an environment where the child can unfold, encouraging the development of the person within to assist the child to achieve her fullest potential. The Montessori method of education is a unique approach to learning. The child learns from a stimulating environment through specially prepared materials and lessons which lead them gradually from concrete materials to abstraction. These materials are presented in small groups encouraging individual hands-on participation.