Montessori FAQ's

How will interested students be selected to attend? 

The admissions process for grades PK-5th will include the following: 

FAQ's About Our School: 

Brasher FAQ

Montessori FAQ's

Who was Maria Montessori? 

Maria Montessori was born August 31, 1870 in Chiaravalle, Italy.  Dr. Montessori was the first woman to graduate from the University of Rome La Sapienza Medical School, and the first female doctor in Italy.  As a member of the University’s Psychiatric Clinic, she became interested in educating children with special needs and learning disabilities.  In 1896 Dr. Montessori was appointed head of an institution in Italy that was devoted to the care and education of mentally handicapped children.  Soon after working with these children, she had several 8 year olds take state exams, and they passed with above average scores.  This success prompted Dr. Montessori to look into the effects of her teaching philosophy on children without disabilities.

Dr. Montessori then started a school in Rome, which opened in 1907.  This school was called “Casa dei Bambini” or “Children’s House”.  At this school, she focused on teaching children ways to develop their own skills at a pace they set for themselves.  This is a Montessori principle known as “spontaneous self-development”.  The success of this school prompted the opening of many more like it around the world, and sparked an interest in the Montessori method of education.

In the 1920’s, Mussolini exiled Dr. Montessori from Italy because she refused to compromise her principles and make children into soldiers.  She lived in Spain until the Spanish Civil War in 1936, at which time she moved to the Netherlands.  In 1939 she was invited to visit India, where she worked with her son, Mario Montessori, to lay a strong foundation for the Montessori Movement in India.  In 1949 she left India, and returned to the Netherlands where she stayed until her death on May 6, 1952.

What is Montessori Education? 

The Montessori educational approach was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, Italy’s first female physician. The Montessori Method was brought to the United States 100 years ago and is now used in 4,500 schools, including more than 500 public schools nationwide. Research shows that children who receive a Montessori education excel not only academically, but socially. Montessori teaches independence, problem-solving, responsibility, social courtesy, and good citizenship. Montessori honors and cultivates each child’s natural love of learning. 

How is Montessori different?

Dr. Montessori  believed that hands-on exploratory learning opportunities would form a strong foundation for later abstract learning (such as math facts, reading, science, etc.). She theorized that teachers should become "directors" and actually 'follow the child' in order to discover their interests, strengths, and weaknesses. By doing so, a teacher would then know how best to reach their students through appropriate individualized learning experiences. 

This individualized curriculum, provided by specially trained Montessori teachers, is directed at developing students’ self-confidence and self-discovery. Students, with the help of their teachers, become active participants in their learning experience. Early on, children are surrounded by inviting Montessori materials, which help them to build a solid educational foundation. Students then seamlessly progress to more complex learning ideas. All of this is provided in a multi-age setting, which allows for students to be mentored and become mentors, and gives students a chance to work at a pace comfortable to their needs without stigma. 

Does the Montessori philosophy work with the Louisiana State Standards of education? 

Teachers in all public schools are accountable for covering the Louisiana Deparment of Education grade level students standards. Mabel Brasher Montessori's curriculum addresses these standards through the individualized learning plan for each child. In addition, students will participate in the same statewide (LEAP 2025) assessments as other students throughout the district. 

What subjects are included in the Montessori Curriculum? 

Mabel Brasher Montessori's curriculum includes the following areas of study: 

Is Montessori for all children? What kind of student will do well in Montessori? 

Montessori education has been used successfully with children of all income levels, of all academic abilities, and from all cultural backgrounds. A child with the following qualities would be the most likely to succeed in the learning environment of the Montessori program: