History & Philosophy

History

Villa Madonna Montessori was founded in 1971 by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Walburg Monastery, women with a deep commitment and dedication to growth-oriented education. Over the years, VMM has graduated thousands of children, many of whom attended Villa Madonna Academy and other Montessori schools. 

Philosophy

Montessori is a three-year program designed to prepare young children for life.  The Montessori 'method' is a philosophy of education named after its founder, Dr. Maria Montessori.  The fundamental tenet is that a child learns best within a social envionment that supports each individual's own develoipment.  

Each child begins the Montessori program at his/her own starting point and continues at his/her individual rate.  The child's activities lay the foundation for his/her continued growth.  The intellectual basis for later academic accomplishments is created as the child independently plans and executes activities using specially designed didactic learning materials, which correspond to their 'sensitive periods' where specific skills are learned most easliy.

VMM teachers:

• observe and evaluate the child's development;
• plan for continued growth;
• facilitate learning;
• function as designers of the environment, resource persons, role models, and demonstrators.