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Centenary 1907-2007.

[Photograph of the first Casa dei Bambini taken on the day of it's inauguration, 6 January 1907, San Lorenzo, Rome, Italy]

Montessori education, based upon the scientific discoveries and observations made by Dr. Maria Montessori, is an approach to human development designed to support the development of every child's full potential. It is often referred to as "Education as an Aid to Life". Montessori educational programs are offered for children from birth to maturity. Montessori professionals also work to support the needs of children outside the classroom setting, with a particular emphasis on parent education and community outreach programs.

Montessori is the single largest pedagogy in the world, with over 8,000 schools spanning six continents.

The Montessori Movement is recognized to have begun on 6 January 1907 when Dr. Montessori opened the first Casa dei Bambini (Children's House) in Rome. Since that time Montessorians have worked across the globe to Champion the Cause of all Children.

The main focus of the Montessori approach is to realize Dr. Montessori’s ultimate aim: to place all the children in our world at the centre of society and to assist them in becoming the transforming elements leading to a harmonious and peaceful humanity.

1911. Montessori in America.

Anne George, an American, goes to Rome to take Maria’s training course. The first American Montessori school opens in Tarrytown, New York; this is the result of great interest in a long article about Montessori that was published in the American magazine, McClure.

1912. The Montessori American Committee formed.

The Montessori American Committee is formed by Anne George, Sam McClure and Mr. & Mrs. Bell; they organize the first international training course in Rome.

Maria’s book The Montessori Method is translated into English.

1913. Over 100 Montessori Schools in the United States.

Maria visits the United States for the first time due to Sam McClure’s persuasion; there are already over one hundred Montessori schools in operation. Maria gives a lecture at New York’s Carnegie Hall on December 6, 1913. The Montessori American Committee becomes the Montessori Educational Association under the direction of Mabel Bell (Alexander Graham Bell’s wife) as president.

Spain’s first Montessori school opens.

1916. Montessori Education Association dissolves.

The Montessori Educational Association (MEA) dissolves due to lack of support from Maria and the Montessori movement in the United States dies down for some time.

1960. The American Montessori Society is formed.

Since its formation in 1960, the American Montessori Society has grown to be the largest Montessori organization in the world. AMS is a non-profit, non-discriminatory service organization dedicated to encouraging and supporting the use of the Montessori teaching approach in private and public schools. Member-supported, its funding comes mainly from Montessori-credentialed teachers, schools, administrators, teacher education programs, parents of Montessori schoolchildren, and interested friends. Ten thousand members strong, they are committed to furthering Montessori philosophy, making it a growing educational alternative, and promoting better education for all children regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or geographical location.

The American Montessori Society was founded and supported in 1960 at Whitby School in Greenwich, Connecticut, under the direction of Dr. Nancy McCormick Rambusch, appointed representative of the Association Montessori Internationale. The incorporation declared AMS a nonprofit, non-sectarian association of teachers, teacher education programs, parent study groups, and schools, with a mission to promote the principles and practices of Dr. Maria Montessori within the context of the American culture. Publication of Rambusch’s book, Learning How to Learn, in 1962 helped to increase public awareness of something “new” on the American educational scene. By 1963, AMS had succeeded in becoming the foremost Montessori center in the country for professional educators, philosophers, physicians, parents, and the media.

The national office was moved to New York City in 1963 and AMS was established as an autonomous entity separate from Whitby School. At its first national conference in Chicago, 60 papers on “Montessori and Early Childhood Education” were presented to more than 500 registrants. Between 1963 and 1970, school membership grew from 29 to 400 schools.

1969. Quad City Montessori Association founded.

The Quad City Montessori Association was founded in 1969 by a group of dedicated parents and remains a parent-owned and directed, not-for-profit corporation. Quad City Montessori School (QCMS) held its first classes in the fall of 1970, making it the first Montessori School in the area.

Throughout the years, the school has continued to thrive with the support and dedicated effort of the Association and staff. Each parent of an enrolled student is a member of the Quad City Montessori Association with all of the privileges and responsibilities that may entail.

2007. Centenary.

Montessori is a worldwide social movement intended to Champion the Cause of all Children.

On the 6th January 2007 it will be 100 years since Dr. Maria Montessori opened the first Casa dei Bambini in San Lorenzo – Montessori has been around for 100 years and is still going strong – this is something to celebrate!

The focus of the Montessori Centenary is a call to action – a call to reinvigorate the Montessori Movement, restoring it to its original dimensions, that of a social movement intended to Champion the Cause of all Children, in all strata of society, of all races and ethnic backgrounds, within and beyond the educational institutions.

The aim of the Centenary year will be to continue to fulfill Montessori’s core mission: To place all the children in our world at the centre of society and to assist them in becoming the transforming elements leading to a harmonious and peaceful humanity.

Become part of this enduring social movement.
Champion the Cause of all Children.