Formerly known as New Horizons Montessori School, The Montessori School (TMS) was founded in Fort Washington in 1970 by a group of parents determined to provide quality Montessori education for their children through the sixth grade. Now located in Dresher in a renovated school building on a seven-acre campus, TMS consists of a Toddler section (18 months–3 years), Children’s Houses (3’s, 4’s and 5’s), Lower Elementary (Grades 1–3) and Upper Elementary (Grades 4–6) classes, as well as before- and after-school Extended Hours Programs. Besides its academic curriculum, TMS offers programs in Environmental Science, Library, Music, Physical Education, Spanish and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
The Montessori School educates children using the authentic Montessori approach—a multi-sensory curriculum that allows for individualized teaching and for students to learn and be challenged at their own pace as they develop academically. As a community that fosters self-confidence, leadership, and respect for self and others, TMS encourages students to grow as self-motivated, intellectually engaged learners who will serve their larger communities as both accomplished students and ambassadors of peace. TMS strives to maintain a collaborative environment rooted from the sharing of experiences, ideas and unique qualities that each member brings to the school.
All faculty members are credentialed Montessori teachers, which means they have had extensive post -graduate education in child development, Montessori curriculum and philosophy. Additionally, they have been awarded the appropriate Montessori credentials for the age groups in which they teach. The Montessori School is accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) and is a member of the American Montessori Society (AMS).
The Montessori curriculum was developed by Dr Maria Montessori, Italian physician and educator, through 40 years of scientific research with young children. The Montessori curriculum, method and philosophy is cited in current educational literature and research as embodying key learning skills identified for success in the 21st century. The Montessori method incorporates multi-age groupings of children that are directed by teachers who facilitate the concept of individualized learning. Teachers adjust their material according to each student’s mastery of academic, intellectual and social learning, build students’ strengths and transform their weaknesses.