The Montessori philosophy’s natural commitment to diversity permeates all aspects of an effective Montessori program. A diverse school community contributes positively to the education of students. When learners are challenged through exposure to a wide range of viewpoints, they learn to analyze assumptions, question the status quo, and creatively generate responses to even the most difficult challenges. Including students from different countries and cultures, a Montessori program encourages families to share their histories and traditions - diversity evolves out of these fundamental values and appreciations.
The uniqueness of a school is perpetuated in its many stories, each of which generates an emotional connection for a child and his or her family in relationship with faculty and thereby the school itself. These emotional connections ultimately support a school’s thrival. The whole school community holds the identity of the learning community in concentric circles of trust. The central circle of trust encompasses the teacher and student. The supporting and sheltering relationships radiate outward from that point. It is in this way that we work together to ensure a child’s success as a learner, a parent’s sense of connection to the process, a teacher’s sense of validation and a school’s sense of purpose.
A Montessori learning community strives to be equitable and just and to identify approaches to understand and celebrate the richness of our human experience; to integrate global perspectives into curriculum; to create opportunities for each voice and opinion to be heard; to emphasize mutual respect and understanding as an integral part of our learning and growth; and to accept and include others.
This commitment to diversity and its actualization is central to both Montessori education and the Montessori aspiration that each of us in our own ways become responsible,caring and involved participants in the larger world.
Children are respected as individuals and cherished as part of the community. Children are encouraged to be independent, self-motivated, and responsible as they find out who they are and learn about what they want to be in balance with a sensitivity and awareness of others' needs.
From the earliest stages, children experience and internalize the Montessori philosophy of grace, courtesy, respect, and openness in their interactions. As they learn and grow, they are asked to think about who they are within a community. They are asked to use and expand critical thinking and problem-solving skills as fundamental components of participating in community which extend well beyond the world of the classroom. They are asked to actively demonstrate compassion and empathy, as well as a sense of peace and justice in their world and beyond - diversity,naturally.
