Maria Montessori, born in Italy in 1870, was an active advocate for the rights of the child. After becoming Italy's first woman doctor, her interests turned to the education of the children and she began her lifelong pursuit of studying child development. Her own educational method evolved over fifty years of work with children around the world.

Dr. Montessori was nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize for her contributions to education and advocacy of the rights of the child. Dr. Montessori believed that a truly educated individual continues learning long after the years spent in the classroom because of the inner motivation, a natural curiosity and a love of learning.

The aim of the Montessori philosophy is to provide a learning environment that enhances the development of intellectually reflective individuals who are caring and ethical members of the community.

The Montessori program in the Surrey School District was founded in 1981 and has grown from one class to include nearly 400 children and two school sites.

Montessori Program

Last updated: December 15, 2006