“There once was a young girl named Maria Montessori. She
lived in Italy, on the continent of Europe, with her parents, Alessandro
and Renilde. Maria was a beautiful young lady with jet black
eyes. She was smart, sensitive, and strong-minded. Maria
loved to chase seagulls as she strolled with her parents along the
beach. When she was five years old, she moved with her family
to Rome. There she flourished in the culture and education of
a refined city steeped in history…”
Thus begins the story that has been told many times at Ivy League
Montessori School. It is just a small part of our annual celebration
of the wise woman who developed the Montessori philosophy of education. A
holistic approach to educating the child, this philosophy values observation
and “following the child.”
We feel it is essential
for our children to learn about the life of Maria Montessori, for though
she lived during the late 1800’s, she was a young girl very similar
to our children today. Feisty and intelligent, Maria endured
and broke through the prejudicial barriers of her day to become the
first female physician in Italy. It was Maria’s work as
a medical doctor that developed her love for children, and led her,
many years later, to becoming Maria the teacher. Montessori education
was thus born from this kind, patient woman.
How do we at Ivy League Montessori School teach our children about
this woman who began our schools? By observing the child, of
course. Our eyes and ears cue our teachers into understanding
how best our students can understand and enjoy this story. At
2 1/2 years, our youngest students color large pictures of Maria and
sing songs with their classmates. The older students in the class
help them cut and glue their pictures. Timelines and booklets
of Maria’s life are assembled. The flag of Italy is made
with colorful felt; maps of Europe and Italy are drawn. All of
this is accomplished by children who are five years and younger!
Our older students in the Lower and Upper Elementary classrooms delve
deeper into the study of Maria. Challenging books depicting her
life are read. Discussions ensue regarding historical events,
figures and customs (such as World War II, Benito Mussolini, and conservative
attitudes regarding women).
The Lower Elementary class performs
a play for the school depicting Maria’s life; the Upper Elementary
sings a song in tribute to her at our school-wide celebration. Individual
picture pins have been created by one of our teachers for all to wear;
another teacher assembled a scrapbook of Maria’s life. On
our last day of the celebration, our entire school meets on the playground
and under sunny skies, sings songs and eats cake to honor Maria Montessori. Our
celebration this year is especially jubilant, as we recognize Ivy League’s
15 successful years of Montessori education.
The teachers at ILMS feel it is important for our children to understand
the roots of our special school. Maria Montessori exemplifies
courage, patience, and respect. By studying her life and beliefs,
we as teachers are inspired to follow her and in turn, follow our students. Together,
we are reminded to honor each other and appreciated every day of our
lives. Montessori children begin their life long path towards
understanding the human spirit. Thus, the celebration of learning
begins each year at ILMS. Maria’s spirit lives on.
A Celebration of Learning 
Thus begins the story that has been told many times at Ivy League
Montessori School. It is just a small part of our annual celebration
of the wise woman who developed the Montessori philosophy of education. A
holistic approach to educating the child, this philosophy values observation
and “following the child.” 
How do we at Ivy League Montessori School teach our children about
this woman who began our schools? By observing the child, of
course. Our eyes and ears cue our teachers into understanding
how best our students can understand and enjoy this story. At
2 1/2 years, our youngest students color large pictures of Maria and
sing songs with their classmates. The older students in the class
help them cut and glue their pictures. Timelines and booklets
of Maria’s life are assembled. The flag of Italy is made
with colorful felt; maps of Europe and Italy are drawn. All of
this is accomplished by children who are five years and younger!
Our older students in the Lower and Upper Elementary classrooms delve
deeper into the study of Maria. Challenging books depicting her
life are read. Discussions ensue regarding historical events,
figures and customs (such as World War II, Benito Mussolini, and conservative
attitudes regarding women). 
The teachers at ILMS feel it is important for our children to understand
the roots of our special school. Maria Montessori exemplifies
courage, patience, and respect. By studying her life and beliefs,
we as teachers are inspired to follow her and in turn, follow our students. Together,
we are reminded to honor each other and appreciated every day of our
lives. Montessori children begin their life long path towards
understanding the human spirit. Thus, the celebration of learning
begins each year at ILMS. Maria’s spirit lives on.