New England Montessori School (NEMS) is a unique preschool, conveniently located in North Andover, Massachusetts. NEMS offers a Montessori curriculum featuring traditional influences, providing children with the most well-rounded preschool experience available.
The Montessori Method was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, a brilliant educator, scientist, humanitarian and healer. She believed that a prepared environment was integral to a child's development. The Montessori classroom is a child-centered community, designed to facilitate the maximum amount of independent learning and exploration.
In keeping with Dr. Montessori's beliefs, New England Montessori School's philosophy is child-centered. Each classroom is divided into various areas, including Practical Life, Sensorial, Cultural, Mathematics, Language, etc. Everything in the classroom can be seen and touched, having specific use.
Moreover, each child learns how to interact with their friends in a peaceful manner. Children also learn to take responsibility for themselves and each other — respecting each other's differences, abilities, work and workspace — and to treat one another with courtesy and dignity. This understanding prepares each child for entry into society and ultimately, adulthood.
The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.
The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.
The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.
The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.
The primary goal of NEMS is to meet the needs of love, warmth and security in the young child, by treating them with respect and understanding. Additionally, by setting realistic and consistent limits, the children are given the freedom to explore an environment that meets their developmental needs.
As true Montessorians, we believe in maintaining small ratios of 7 to 1 or fewer, allowing for the individual attention each child needs. In addition, we have "community time" between classrooms. Each classroom has whole group activities and lessons, as well as whole group recess.
Throughout the years, we have implemented traditional influences into our Montessori curriculum. Our classrooms are filled with Montessori materials as well as Traditional Learning materials. NEMS also implements creative monthly themes to help extend the learning experience beyond the basics.