Our classrooms are designed to provide freedom of movement and selection of activities in order to allow the children to develop emotionally, physically and intellectually at their own pace. Within a framework of respect for the rights of others, the child learns to take responsibility for his or her own actions and learning. Underlying the extensive Montessori curriculum is the constant focus on peace and being environmentally responsible. Dr. Montessori felt that the only way to achieve world peace was through the education of children. By teaching young children to value peace among all people as well as to care for the earth, the hope and vision is to create a positive future for all.

The teacher’s, or guide’s, role is to observe the child, to prepare the environment to meet each child’s needs, to guide the child in the use of learning materials, and to be a positive role model in interpersonal relations. The teacher works as a partner with each family combining his/her knowledge of child development, Montessori theories, observations of the children and personal experience with the family’s knowledge of the individual child in order to assist each child in reaching his or her fullest potential.

Families who will benefit most from being a part of Haven’s community are those who are willing to learn more about Montessori education by attending all Parent Education Nights, reading newsletters and articles from the school, and providing continuity at home with what the child is doing at school through the preparation of the home environment. We expect parents to be open and willing to continue to increase their knowledge in their roles as parents and to guide their child’s growth and development in a positive and supportive manner.

• Dr. Maria Montessori was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize 3 times!  Many believe she was passed over each time because she was too controversial.
• Dr. Montessori was the first female to earn a medical degree inItaly.
• Dr. Montessori was exiled from Italy by Mussolini because she would not allow her schools to be used to turn children into soldiers.
• During her exile, Dr. Montessori spent many years in India where she befriended Gandhi.
• Invited to the USA by Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, and others, Dr. Montessori spoke at Carnegie Hall in 1915. She was invited to set up a classroom at the Panama-Pacific Exposition inSan Francisco, where spectators watched twenty-one children, all new to this Montessori method, behind a glass wall for four months.