Maria Montessori, creator of the Montessori method of education, once said, "Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment." Montessori education is characterized by:
- mixed age classrooms
- primary learning through tactile experience with educational materials at learning stations organized by curriculum
- an environment that encourages independent movement and learning through self directed activities
Parents who want their children to be educated in a Montessori environment have several options in Columbus, Ohio.
1. Columbus Montessori Education Center
Located at 979 South James Rd on the city's east side, Columbus Montessori was founded in 1984. CMEC's Jessica Kass Center, Central Ohio's first infant and toddler Montessori program educates children from age 6 months to 3 years. CMEC's Children's House has students ranging from 3 to 6 years of age and it's Elementary school program serves children from the 1st through 6th grade.From the Website:At the Columbus Montessori Education Center, we strive to ensure that each classroom teacher is Montessori Certified for the age group they work with. Many other schools only have a ‘lead’ teacher with Montessori credentials.
2. St. Joseph's Montessori
Located at 933 Hamlet Street, St. Joseph's was established in 1968. Originally founded as a complementary preschool program for St. Joseph's Academy, St. Joseph's Children's House educates children from 3 to 6 years, Primary Students from 6-9 years old, Middle school from 9-12 years old and Erdkinder from 12 - 14 years old.From the Website:We offer an alternative educational program to families throughout the Central Ohio area. Our school is located in a vibrant and historic residential neighborhood near the downtown area. We serve families from Franklin County, as well as, the six surrounding counties. We recently erected a 4000 sq. ft. addition to our main building, which included a new library and multi purpose room.
3. Jane's Montessori
Located at 1375 Francisco Rd on the city's Northwest Side, Jane's was named after Jane Wolfe Chabria, who founded the first Montessori school in Columbus in 1965. Its infant room, the Nest, educates children ages 6 weeks to 18 months. Its Young Children's Classroom is for children 18 months to 3 years old and its Children's House educates kids from 3 - 6 years of age.From the Website: Jane’s Montessori Academy was named in honor of Jane Wolfe Chabria, who in 1965 opened the first Montessori school in Columbus, Ohio. Opened under the name “Early Learning Center,” the academy was built specifically to use the Montessori method of education. Sadly, Mrs. Chabria passed away in November, 2004. Jai Chabria, Mrs. Chabria's nephew and his wife, Tammy Chabria, have reopened the academy under its new name, to honor the memory of this great pioneer in Columbus education.
4. Montessori Children's House
Located at 950 King Avenue, near Grandview and Upper Arlington, Montessori Children's house was founded in 1977. MCH educates children from 2 1/2 years to 6 years old.From the Website:Founded in 1986, NorthSide Montessori School is an independent private school located at northwest area of Columbus, Ohio. The School provides the best Early Childhood Education based on Montessori Teaching Method, which will help young children to develop within themselves an excellent foundation for creative learning. We are a small, family oriented school. We have an open policy where parents are free to drop in and observe their child in our safe and naturalized environment.
