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. For this is the time when man's intelligence itself, his greatest implement is begin formed. At no other age has the child greater need of intelligent help.

- Maria Montessori, M.D.

General Information

The Montessori Center School, Inc. was established in 1985 to complement the work of the AMI-affiliated teacher training institute in Arizona, Montessori Education Center. The primary Montessori curriculum is a developmental program designed for children ages two and half to six years. The school is accredited by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), Amsterdam (Founded by Dr. Maria Montessori). In addition to graduate or post-graduate degrees, the teachers hold a diploma granted by AMI. The goal of the Montessori Center School is to serve the community by providing an authentic Montessori environment and education for students.

The Montessori Center School is an Arizona corporation, regulated by the Department of Child Care. Admission is open to all regardless of race, creed, color or national origin. The school is directed by Nimal Vaz, M.Ed., AMI Certificate, State Certified K-12.

What's the Difference?

MONTESSORI	NON-MONTESSORI
All children can learn. They are the same all over the world.	Children are different. Some can learn - others cannot.
Implicit trust and respect for every child.	No implicit trust and respect for every child.
Child centered.	Teacher centered.
Children learn through their own discovery and experience.	Teacher is transmitter of knowledge.
Multi-age grouping for community atmosphere.	Homogeneous grouping.
Children are directed individually.	Children are taught in a group.
Each child learns at his/her own pace.	Some are held back, some are pushed, others dropped.
Children correct themselves through control of error.	Answers are provided by teacher.
Children work independently.	Children are dependent on the teacher.
Children are self directed and make their own choice.	Teacher directed with very little choice.
Subjects are intertwined.	Subjects are compartmentalized.
No time restriction.	Time periods allotted.
Non-competitive.	Competitive.
Self motivation.	Rewards and punishment, e.g., grades.
Self evaluation.	Tests to evaluate.