PHMS Montessori Programs
At PHMS, we provide the following three Montessori programs:
Infant Classroom - children are between 6 months and 18 months old, teacher-student ratio: 1:3
Toddler Classroom - children are between 18 months and 3 years old, teacher-student ratio: 1:4
Primary Classroom - children are between 2.5 (potty-trained) and 6 years old, teacher-student ratio: 1:6-8
Programs are available according to children’s age and availability.
What is Montessori Education?
Dr. Maria Montessori observed that when a topic is introduced at the ideal time, interest is at its peak, and a child learns with ease and pleasure, setting the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
The role of the Montessori teacher is to curate a rich learning environment, where each child’s need for connection and belonging, purposeful work, intellectual stimulation, independence, movement, and security can be met.
PHMS’s philosophy and curriculum follow the authentic Montessori Method, which:
Meets each child where they are, respecting their needs as learners and humans, and embracing their readiness to absorb new skills and knowledge
Integrates the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—brain development happens in doing, and hands-on learning creates a clear pathway for advancement
Honors the child, allowing a calmer pace ideal for conscious choice, and self-awareness
Empowers independence, concentration, and exploration, working with their natural state, rather than against it
How does the Montessori classroom function?
The Montessori classroom is designed to educate the whole person—emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual. It is structured to support social independence, independent action, and self-responsibility.
Children learn to behave with grace and courtesy, to work cooperatively with classmates, to respect themselves and others, all while acquiring a strong academic foundation.
Mixed-age groups provide a unique learning opportunity for children that’s not possible in classes with a strictly limited age group. Younger children are inspired by older children, often looking up to them as role models. Older children, as experienced members of the community, have the opportunity to be experts and leaders, which builds self-confidence.
The curriculum and learning materials cover the areas of mathematics, language, practical life, sensorial refinement, artistic expression, and cultural studies. Each activity is designed to engage the child, and each has a specific purpose and clear learning goals. At the same time, the child is also offered freedom and encouragement to explore and discover with the materials.
Notable Montessori attendees
Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Co-founders of Google
Jeffrey Bezos, Founder of Amazon.com
Mark Zuckerberg, Founder of Meta/Facebook
Stephen Curry, American professional basketball player for Golden State Warriors
Katherine Graham, Owner/Editor of the Washington Post
Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Nobel Prize winner for literature
Prince William and Prince Harry, English Royal Family
Chelsea Clinton, the former first daughter of the United States