The Montessori Method has been practiced in classrooms around the world for more than 100 years. It is trusted to provide children the caring assistance that helps them grow into adults who are self-motivated and love learning, think flexibly and creatively, are conscious of the needs of others, and actively foster harmony as they go through life. The Montessori environment offers intentional lessons in grace and courtesy—modeling appropriate, respectful manners that are demonstrated by teachers and practiced in small groups.

From the simple, loving interactions, and through lessons in practical skills and independence, Montessori students learn to take care of themselves and their environment and to be helpful to others. They wash tables, organize shelves, prepare their own meals, and assist younger children. In addition to mastering real-life skills, they come to see themselves as valued members of the community.

Additional academic rigor and an emphasis on group work in Elementary classes promote collaboration and community. And the complex, outward-facing activities such as service learning projects undertaken by adolescents in Secondary classrooms help students become empathetic, peaceful, resourceful, independent, and kind.

The entire cycle of Montessori education nurtures responsible, independent, and capable people who are active citizens in their classrooms and beyond.

Montessori learners recognize themselves as part of multiple communities—the community of the classroom, the community of the family, and the community of the wider world.

Montessori is for life. More information can be found on the Montessori method by visiting https://amshq.org/Families/Montessori-and-Your-Child (American Montessori Society)

Multi-age groupings of children ages 8 weeks-18 months (Nido), 18 months- 3 years (YCC), 3 years – 6 years (CH), 6years – 9 years (Lower El), 9 years –12 years (Upper El), and 12 years -15 years (Middle School) provide a heterogeneous mix in which children can collaborate and socialize. These inter-age relationships strengthen the entire community in each classroom.

Older children are seen as role models within the community. They support the growth and development of younger children through socialization, assisting with new work, or teaching skills they have mastered themselves. They can also work with younger students in areas of the curriculum in which they themselves may need more practice, without stigma.

Younger children follow the example set by the older students, and have peers to work with in areas of the curriculum in which they may be more advanced. This multi-age community provides opportunities for all individuals to learn from each other, at times leading, sharing, or serving as role models. It also develops an appreciation of differences.

Within this supportive, inclusive community, children work through the curriculum at their own pace, accelerating during some tasks or taking additional time with others.

First Step: Schedule a tour and fill out the application form.

Second Step: Contact our office manager about availability in the classroom you are considering for your child.

Third Step: Interview with the Lead Guide to ensure it is a good fit for the child/family as well as for the classroom.

Fourth Step: Once it is agreed upon by both the family and Ladybird Montessori that we will proceed with enrollment the necessary paperwork and fees are submitted to secure the placement.

We have a Lead Guide in each classroom who holds a masters level MACTE approved Montessori teaching credential specific for the age group they are teaching. Most of our Guides here at Ladybird have either been trained at The Houston Montessori Center or Shelton Montessori Training Center. There are also Assistant Guides in each classroom that serve as support staff and also have the opportunity to apprentice and learn from the Lead Guides they work with. The Assistant Guides do not hold Montessori credentials but do attend a variety of training on the Montessori method as well as peaceful communication.