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The Montessori Method

Respect for the Child

The Absorbent Mind

Sensitive Periods

Dr. Maria Montessori observed that children pass through specific stages in their development when they are most capable of learning specific knowledge and skills. She called these stages “sensitive periods.” These periods are essentially windows of opportunity for learning. Characteristics of sensitive periods include intense focus, repetition, commitment to a task, and periods of deep concentration.

The Prepared Environment

Educating the Whole Child

Montessori pedagogy is a holistic approach that focuses on nurturing each child’s potential by providing learning experiences that support their intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development. All areas of a child’s development are connected and are viewed as equally important. The Montessori Curriculum not only includes language and mathematics, but also covers practical life, sensorial, and culture.

Follow the Child

Dr. Maria Montessori believed that children instinctively knew what their minds and bodies needed to learn and grow. She proposed that if adults carefully observed, they would be able to identify a child’s needs and interests and provide aligned activities and experiences. With that in mind, Montessori pedagogy proposes personalized learning that is tailored to each child’s unique stage of development, interests, and needs.

Freedom within Limits

Freedom within limits is an empowering concept that embraces the notion of the child as a competent being who is capable of learning and doing for themselves. Dr. Montessori observed that children learn best when they are given the freedom to move, to choose their own work, and to follow their interests. This freedom also operates within boundaries including respect for themselves, respect for others and respect for the environment.

Intrinsic Motivation

The Montessori approach proposes that learning is its own reward. Extrinsic rewards such as praise or stickers are not typically used. Instead, the focus is placed on the process, rather than the product as children derive a sense of accomplishment from completing an activity and learning to do it for themselves. This internal motivation encourages a child to look inward for feelings of satisfaction and also builds their confidence.

Independence

Montessori Harbor Mesa Campus

The History of Montessori Harbor Mesa

Born

Giuliana was born in Italy

1957

Giuliana De Frenza received her Montessori Training from Scuola Magistrade Livio Andronico, Taranto, Italy

1957-1969

Giuliana taught in many Montessori schools around California

1970

Giuliana opened Montessori Harbor Mesa

2023

50+ Years of successfully educating future leaders at Montessori Harbor Mesa

Montessori Harbor
Mesa School

The Montessori gives great importance to the pupils’ formative years. It focuses on the total development of the children, social and academic. Dr. Montessori refers to the students as “young explorers” who will refine and educate their senses of visual, tactile, auditory, olfactory and stereognostic in a specially created environment filled with unique apparatuses designed to enhance these specific learning experiences.

At the young age of three, children will be introduced to math and language with textured sandpaper numerals and letters. They will recognize sounds of the alphabet in a phonetic way and will begin to compose and read short words. Children will learn about continents, parts of various animals, and many other interesting scientific subjects. They will also learn about American Indians, geography, and history. They will do arts and craft that celebrate the world around us, culturally and in nature.

Curriculum

Successful People That Attended Montessori as Children

Larry Page and Sergey Brin,
Founders of Google

Jeff Bezos,
Founder of Amazon.com

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis,
former First Lady

Stephen Curry,
Athlete – Point Guard for the Golden State Warriors

Anne Frank,
famous child diarist from World War II

Prince William and Prince Harry,
sons of Charles, Prince of Wales

Taylor Swift,
Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter

Helen Keller – Political activist, author, lecturer, awarded the presidential medal of freedom

Testimonials

Thank you Harbor Mesa so much for making Miss Eva a part of the team! She works so well with Jackson and every day Jack loves to come to school to learn and make friends. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! –

The Tipre’s

We love this school and the teacher Miss Eva. We are also happy that we have a chance for our daughter to be here. We are very pleased with everything. Thank you! –

Lidiya and George K.

I’m extremely pleased with the development of Victoria at this school. She loves coming to school every day and enjoys her teachers and friends. It’s a wonderful school with excellent teachers! –

Sara Perry

50+

Years Open

100%

Students Experience Hands-On Learning

5,000+

Students Educated