The Program

The program is based on Maria Montessori’s philosophy that the child is endowed with creative powers and that productive transformation can only take place when these possibilities are nurtured early in life.

The Prepared Environment is designed to enhance the child’s natural interest in exploring the world through his senses.  The approach is to incite the child to participate in an exciting learning journey and to explore the environment at his own pace.

The Program of Activities introduces the child to the values of Practical Life Exercises, the many wonders of Language, Mathematics, Science, Culture, Arts, and the importance of Community Service.  Seamlessly implemented into the curriculum is the Virtue Program.  The ideas and skills are absorbed through sensorial experiences and practical immersion into the different areas of learning.


Admission is open only to 25 children from 2 years 9 months to 4 years old.  Lunches are prepared on-site and provide a wide variety of healthy meals.  The children participate in the preparation and cleanup of meals, encouraging their natural need to participate and be helpful.  sample menu

Montessori West offers a unique atmosphere that individualizes guidance and enables the child to develop close, warm, personal relationships with his peers and the staff.  The parents’ active involvement in school life brings wholeness and cohesion into the child’s training.


Montessori West is one of a select group of schools in Arizona recognized by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).  This recognition offers credibility to the school’s status within the educational community as well as within the Montessori Community.  It confirms a staunch support of Montessori principles faithfully put into practice.
"Before finding Montessori West, we had no idea of what 3-5 year old children could actually achieve. There is no other place that we would even consider for our children after being a part of this environment. Each child there loves going to school. They read, write, compose, learn a love of music and art, and learn virtues as well as academics. This school, over all others my wife and I researched, provides a head start for a child that is unparalleled. This school has had a profound effect on our childrens' lives and their future education, and will stay with them for the majority of their lives. There literally is no other place like Montessori West.”

 

Richard and Liliana Ruyle