The Building Blocks of a Good Montessori Program
Visitation Academy’s co-educational Montessori program is one of the most established in the St. Louis area, with more than 50 years of experience helping young children reach their full potential. The benefits of a Montessori education are undeniable. What makes the Viz Montessori classroom different from the rest? The school’s longstanding program combines the established principles of Maria Montessori with the inspiring vision of Visitation founders St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal. The influence of all three of these individuals is clear in everything we do.
Following the Leaders
Maria Montessori was breaking barriers in education when she introduced the Montessori Method back in the early 1900s. Her innovative teaching approach is equally, if not more, relevant today. She saw that children absorb knowledge from their surroundings, essentially teaching themselves, and that is exactly what happens in the Viz Montessori every day.
Within the framework of a thoughtfully prepared learning environment and well-rounded curriculum, each student is free to make independent choices based on their interests. Students have access to a number of multi-sensory and sequential materials designed to stimulate curiosity and facilitate the learning of skills and abstract ideas. Our American Montessori-certified educators follow the child’s lead, guiding and assisting them as needed along the way. This atmosphere of exploration and discovery promotes a lifelong love of learning while building confidence and self-esteem.
The Viz Montessori has three distinctive yet cohesive programs: The Toddler Program for 2-Year-Olds, The 3-5-Year-Old Program, and Kindergarten. As the children progress, Practical Life Skills and Freedom of Choice are reinforced and additional concepts such as Order, Concentration, Coordination, Independence, and Respect for Others are introduced. By the time the children are in Kindergarten, they become the leaders, taking on more responsibility and even teaching younger students.
Although accelerated learning at an early age is not the goal of the Viz Montessori program, it is often the result. Many children advance quickly because Montessori teachers capitalize on each child’s natural desire to learn. This foundation sets our young girls up for success as they move on to the all-girl environment in Grades 1-5.
Be Who You Are and Be That Well
The spiritual teachings of Visitation Academy founders, St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal, underpin the educational environment at Viz. Students are taught to Live Jesus in their thoughts and actions and learn about values such as honesty, patience, and respect.
Our Montessori program helps students develop a lifelong love of learning and a lifelong love of self. With these important building blocks, students may reach their full potential in all areas of life.
Visitation Academy is an independent, private Catholic school offering a coeducational Montessori preschool and Kindergarten program, the area's only all-girl elementary program for Grades 1-5, and an all-girl middle school and all-girl high school.
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