About Us
Keystone Montessori was founded in 1995 with thirteen preschool students. In 1997 the program was expanded to include elementary students. We moved our site to its present location in 2000. The name Keystone Montessori was adopted to symbolize the importance of a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning. Just as a keystone in an archway supports the entire structure, the educational base developed at Keystone supports the child throughout his life.
Keystone Montessori’s Toddler, Children’s House, Elementary Extended Care, and Summer Camp programs are private with fees charged.
Keystone Montessori’s grades 1-9 comprise the Charter School. A Charter School is fundamentally a form of public school. It is a component of the national public school reform. Keystone Montessori received its Charter in 1999 through the State Board for Charter Schools and reports directly to this board.
Keystone Montessori’s Toddler, Children’s House, Elementary Extended Care, and Summer Camp programs are private with fees charged.
Keystone Montessori’s grades 1-9 comprise the Charter School. A Charter School is fundamentally a form of public school. It is a component of the national public school reform. Keystone Montessori received its Charter in 1999 through the State Board for Charter Schools and reports directly to this board.
The objective of the program is to help the child achieve his/her fullest potential and mental ability by carefully preparing a learning environment to meet the child’s needs. The child uses materials designed to assist growth in practical life, sensorial, mathematics, language arts, music, art, science, geography, etc.
From the age of three on, Montessori students are in multi-age classrooms. They remain in the same classroom for three years, moving from being the youngest to the oldest in their classroom community. This approach is beneficial for students in a variety of ways. Older students act as teachers, showing younger children how to do things, which reinforces their own learning. Younger peers are often motivated to learn by seeing what others can accomplish. They also can learn from observing those who are just ahead of them in skills. Another benefit is that children can progress at their own pace without grade level stigma and can take on challenges they are ready for without having to wait until the next school year.
The program is based on the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, a noted Italian educator and physician (1870 - 1952), who revolutionized early childhood education by advocating that children be allowed the freedom to explore and developtheir own creative potential through a wealth of self-teaching educational materials.
Dr. Maria Montessori developed much of the educational equipment found today in the Montessori classroom over 100 years ago. They include hands-on mathematical materials, activities to develop the child’s sensory perceptions, and refine his sense of awareness. Many exercises are designed to allow young children to practice skills they will need for daily living and self-help. Materials illustrating principles of geography, zoology, botany, and archeology nurture the child’s avid interest. All of these areas are explored with concrete objects, tactile experiments, collection, classification, and identification. The children readily take up this reality-based purposeful “work” designed to develop mental and manual dexterity. Children also develop the tools for a lifetime of creative learning.
Contact us today to learn more and explore the possibilities for your children. The Keystone community is eager to welcome you as you begin your Montessori journey.