From birth, children instinctively reach out to explore and learn about the world around them. They love to touch, to taste; they turn inquisitively toward new sounds, smile at familiar voices; they reach for bright colors, explore interesting shapes. Learning is a process that involves all of the senses, especially touch, and the senses feed the child’s absorbent and eager mind. Dr. Maria Montessori, Italy’s first female physician, founded her method of education on this understanding of how children learn. Dr. Montessori created intriguing materials that invite children to manipulate and explore and that cultivate their individual initiative, curiosity and motivation, the key qualities of a life-long learner. Dr. Montessori also understood that the classroom should be carefully arranged to provide freedom to explore and the guidance from a carefully trained teacher. Learning becomes for all children a joyful path on which they are guided by their innate curiosity and delight in discovery.

At The Montessori School at Lone Tree education plants the seeds of learning in the fertile ground of a child’s natural curiosity and joy in discovery; thus nurturing through the school years the child’s initiative to explore and to question, to engage with the world, to learn, and to emerge as a creative, imaginative, independent life-long learner. Classes are mixed aged from 2 ½ to 6 years old, each with its own carefully organized curriculum to accommodate the individual learning styles of each child.

Today researchers have confirmed Dr. Montessori’s belief that intellectual skills develop when a child’s learning process stimulates as many senses as possible. Montessori education engages children emotionally as well as physically with intriguing, hands-on materials and appropriately challenging concepts. As they grow through a Montessori education, children develop their aesthetic, artistic sense and learn both what Dr. Montessori called the Practical Life Skills of everyday living as well as the disciplines of language arts, mathematics, science, art, music, geography and history. They become confident and eager learners.

Research studies have shown that Montessori educated students are well prepared for life emotionally, socially and academically. Scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori children are above average in following directions, adapting to new situations, turning in work on time, listening attentively, taking responsibility, asking provocative questions, and enthusiasm for learning.

Our Environment

The Montessori teachers design an effective, individual learning experience for each child aged 2 ½ to 6 years of age. Our programs focus on the children, not the teacher. Our multi-aged classrooms are specially prepared to encourage each child to actively participate in his or her learning.

High-Quality, Experienced Staff

The heart of The Montessori School at Lone Tree is our nurturing, well trained, and experienced teaching staff. Our teachers are committed to their profession. A certified Montessori Teacher and Assistant Teachers lead each classroom, providing continuity throughout the three-year cycle. Lead teachers have all successfully completed a rigorous accredited Montessori training program. In addition, we stay abreast of current trends in education and child development through conferences, in-services, and workshops.

Our teachers know and honor each child’s individual potential and work to create an environment that inspires children to develop inner discipline, self-assurance, and a love of learning. This talented faculty of MSLT average 15 years of teaching experience and that is unique and valued. Their first love is our children at MSLT whom they creatively and sensitively nurture and support.

Safe and Secure Learning Environment

There is a sense of warmth when you come into our school. That has been established over time by a trusting relationship between the teachers, students, and families. We maintain a ratio of 1 adult to every 7 – 10 students. Our primary consideration in the design of our program, policies, and our schoolhouse is your child’s safety and security. We have established an Emergency Response Plan with the help of local law enforcement. Our classrooms also have high-quality, educational, hands-on materials. In this safe and nurturing environment, learning and growth are free to blossom.

Family Flexibility

Our school operates on an 11-hour a day schedule (7 a.m. – 6 p.m.) for our full day families. We also offer a morning program (8:30 – 11:30), a half day program (8:30 – 12:30), and an extended day program (8:30 – 3:00). We do our best to accommodate changes in schedules as needed.

Parent Satisfaction

Parents are highly satisfied with their children’s experience, and credit the strong foundation received at the Montessori School at Lone Tree with their child’s later success. We also have prior Montessori educators bringing their children to our school to set their foundation for life.

Second Generation Students

Former students are returning to our school as parents. They have fond memories of The Montessori School at Lone Tree from their childhood and want the same experience for their children.