Dr. Maria Montessori

“Within the child lies the fate of the future.”

— Dr. Maria Montessori

Montessori is an evidence-based approach to education named for Dr. Maria Montessori, the first female physician in Italy and an innovator in the study of child development and psychology. Montessori’s scientific studies form the foundation for a holistic system of learning that supports children at each stage of their development, from infancy through adulthood. The goal of a Montessori education to unleash human potential by nurturing a child’s natural curiosity and inspiring a love of learning, intrinsic motivation, independence and social responsibility.

Many of Montessori’s innovations, at the time controversial, are now considered common knowledge in the fields of child development and education. A humanitarian, pioneer in peace education, and devout Catholic, she was nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Historical Timeline

1896: Maria graduates to great public acclaim from the University of Rome School of Medicine. She is the first woman in Italy to receive a medical degree. Maria also studied anthropology, biology, and psychiatry. As an early feminist she represents Italy at the 1896 Women’s Conference in Berlin where, among other things, she is a strong advocate for equal pay.

1896-1907: Dr. Montessori’s work brings her into close contact with children. During this period, the Italian Minister of Education appoints her as the Director of the Scuola Ortofrenica. This institution was dedicated to the care and education of youngsters that were considered “cognitively challenged”. Through the development of her Montessori method, many of these 8-year-old students are able to pass standard testing with above-average scores.

1907: Dr. Montessori opens Casa dei Bambini or “Children’s House,” for children ages 3 to 6 years in one of the poorest neighborhoods in San Lorenzo, Italy.

1913: Dr. Montessori makes her first visit to the United States.; Montessori Educational Association is founded by Alexander Graham Bell and his wife, Mabel.

1915: Panama-Pacific International Exhibition in San Francisco: Dr. Montessori receives international attention with her “glass house” schoolroom exhibit. During this visit, Dr. Montessori leads a teacher training course while in the states.

1922: Italian government asks Dr. Montessori to return to become a government inspector of schools.

1929: Dr. Montessori founds the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with her son, Mario, to ensure preservation of her educational principles.

1939: Dr. Montessori and her son travel to India to give a series of teacher training courses. Both are detained in India during World War II.

1947: Dr. Montessori starts a training center in London and continues to spend time in India.

1949: Dr. Montessori is nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

1950: Dr. Montessori is nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

1951: Dr. Montessori is nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

1952: Dr. Montessori died in the Netherlands assured that her legacy would be continued through the work of the Association Montessori Internationale.