History of Montessori

Maria Montessori created the Montessori method of education. She was the first woman in Italy to receive a medical degree, but was also a diligent student of education, psychiatry and anthropology. In 1907 she began her first classroom, and quickly established a reputation for her success in working with young children. As she refined her methods, she became very popular and her work spread throughout Europe as others invited her to share her method.

The Montessori method reached the United States in 1911, but met with resistance from the American educational establishment. It wasn’t until 1960 that the model gained traction in the US and since then has spread to thousands of schools.

Throughout her lifetime, Maria Montessori continued to develop her educational approaches, specifically for children ages 0 to 3, 3 to 6, and 6 to 12. Although she also studied and taught about ages 12 to 18 and beyond, she did not create formal programs for them.

Montessori was also forced to spend time in India during World War II. She continued her work there, and in addition developed Education for Peace. She was twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Today, the Montessori method of education enjoys widespread acceptance in many countries throughout the world, showing that its principles are universal and not bound by culture.