Montessori teaching methods are grounded in Dr. Maria Montessori's observations of children learning and playing, and emphasizes that children should learn with all five senses, and at appropriate levels and times.  "The program really encourages children to be independent, so as they learn to explore independently, they become confident and develop the skills to allow them to be more independent," says Katherine Poyntz, executive director of the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators.  "The philosophy also looks at how children become adults, how they develop to their full potential."

In a long-term study of the effects of four different preschool programs, the Montessori program was rated as the most effective in producing long-term school success.  Research done by Karne originally in 1985 and followed-up on in the late 1990's.  In a study of elementary age children, it was found that children who had a Montessori preschool background were rated significantly superior on interest in learning, independence, interpersonal relations, leadership, and learning ability.  Research done by Fleege, Black, and Rachauskas comparing children in public and private school from Montessori preschool, non-Montessori preschool, and no-preschool backgrounds.  The study concluded that continued experience in a Montessori elementary program increased the benefits of the Montessori preschool exposure. These studies are cited in "The Montessori Controvery", written by John Chattin-McNichols.

A study conducted by the Division of Accountability, Department of Testing, Research, and Evaluation in Maryland (2003), compared which non-traditional education programs were most effective in improving students' academic performance in reading.  Research found that at the Elementary and Middle School level, Montessori was one of the most effective among non-traditional programs in producing higher scores in reading performance, and students in Middle School outperformed similar conventional school students in reading performance. 

In the study, "Outcomes for Students in a Montessori Program", supported by the Association Montessori International, a significant finding was the association between a Montessori education and superior performance in Math and Science.  In essence, attending a Montessori program from the approximate ages of three to eleven predicts significantly higher mathematics and science standardized test scores in high school. 

Furthermore, the study "A Comparison of Montessori and Traditional Middle Schools: Motivation, Quality of Experience, and Social Context" sponsored by The North American Montessori Teachers' Association compared the experiences and perceptions of middle school students in Montessori and traditional schools.  Findings were that Montessori students reported a significantly better quality of experience in their academic work than did traditional students. Also, Montessori students perceived their schools as a more positive community for learning, with more opportunities for active, rather than passive, learning.  

As you can see, Montessori students excel in academic performance, but gain so much more.  Respect-based partnership education - education for and with the child - enables students to thrive in classrooms where teachers respect the uniqueness and needs of individual students.  Motivation is enhanced through the pursuit of individual interests, and self-confidence is strengthened through the introduction of new materials based on individual readiness, learning style and ability. The teacher's role is one of trained observer, mentor, guide, developmental expert, and catalyst of student-potential. The child's role is one of elated explorer, independent thinker, compassionate collaborator, and thoughtful researcher. 

In preparing their classrooms, designing their curriculum, and through individual and small group instruction, Four Seasons' Teachers focus on cultivating this human potential. They stimulate and challenge students, encouraging them to develop their imagination, intellectual curiosity, and sense of wonder, as well as individual expressions of grace and courtesy. In this environment, children have the opportunity to find their passions - a tool they will use throughout their lives.