Early Childhood education for Ages 2.5-6

Preschool-Kindergarten

The Montessori Method for Early Childhood Education

Dr. Maria Montessori wrote, “The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six.”  

We all want the best possible start for our children.  At Black Mountain Montessori school, we are committed to providing a safe, nurturing and vibrant early education to children in the greater Asheville area.  Our highly qualified educators are encouraging and patient, and maintain a joyful school community with the help of all parents.  

Natural light and beautiful materials fill our inviting classrooms.  Our class sizes are small with a maximum student/teacher ratio of 12:1— optimal for creative and active individualized learning.  Each class has a 3-year age range resulting in many opportunities to teach, collaborate and learn from peers. It also allows for children to learn at their own pace without standing out.  Our Montessori trained teachers assist each child in their development physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. Teachers function as role models, guides, demonstrators, observers and recorders of each student’s progress.  They communicate with parents regularly and are very accessible.

Montessori classrooms are intentionally prepared environments organized for self-directed, multi-sensory and hands-on learning.  While enjoying exploration of the environment around them, children are absorbing everything using all of their senses. At this age range children are refining motor coordination, social skills and concentration, as well as a sense of order, independence and reasoning.  Over a period of time, children develop the ability to focus on their tasks with high concentration and few interruptions.

All students participate in a wide variety of individual, group and class lessons.  They have freedom of movement and choice within the structure of the school day— fostering independence and self-motivation.  For example, part of the structure of the day includes each child choosing a hands-on activity they want to do, like geometric shapes, using specially designed Montessori materials.  An important part of the activity is putting the materials back neatly for the next child to use, helping instill responsibility and respect. Through the Montessori method, children start developing important characteristics as well as real-world skills like time management, critical thinking and determining their own needs.  Parents are always amazed at how quickly their child starts doing things on their own, like getting fully dressed in the morning. Continuing your child in the Montessori program for three full years allows them to realize concepts and skills that were previously experienced and practiced, but not yet mastered.

The classroom is made up of six areas: Practical Life, Art, Sensorial, Math, Language, Science and Culture.  Children love the engaging Montessori materials in each area! A broad range of activities enrich our program including yoga, music, dance, caring for school pets and gardening.

Practical Life is the foundation of every Montessori classroom and teaches children to care for themselves and their environment.  They gain coordination, confidence and the ability to concentrate with activities such as zipping, tying, sewing, sweeping, pouring and apple cutting.

The Sensorial area helps children become aware of the surrounding world through refining their senses.  This area prepares the children for mathematics by teaching varying dimensions and geometric shapes.  The Sensorial area also prepares a child for reading by refining the ability to distinguish similarities and differences that will help later with letter and word recognition.

Mathematics in a Montessori classroom is taught using hands-on materials in a sequential manner.  Starting with the Number Rods, children learn the concept of base ten. At ages 4-5, the Golden Beads are used to introduce mathematical equations.  

Language is part of all areas of the classroom.  With a rich verbal environment children develop vocabulary and self-expression.  Materials like sandpaper letters and realistic objects help children learn letter sounds.  Gradually, students begin to spell and read phonetic words. Children learn to read through a wide range of Montessori-based phonetic materials.

Science allows the children to explore their environment.  Students learn about the animal kingdom, sink/float dynamics, living/nonliving, magnets, and so much more through objects, books, photographs and coloring.

Culture is an important part of the classroom.  There is a focus on the different continents, including flags, celebrations, ethnic foods, and the people of different nations.  Dr. Maria Montessori believed that the ultimate goal of Montessori education is world peace and, for this reason, culture, and diversity are an essential part of the classroom.