About
Our Mission
The Mountain View Montessori School community works together within a prepared environment to follow the child in developing a lifelong love of learning. We provide an environment that guides and nurtures the self-construction of individuals who will be able to define themselves, think objectively, make independent decisions, and live an inspired life. We strive to respect, educate, and serve a diversity of families, thus influencing a positive global effect through cosmic education. A vital part of our mission is adherence and commitment to the guidelines and standards of Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).
Our History
Mountain View Montessori School incorporated in 1998. Previously known as Trinity Montessori, the school was founded in 1970 as an outreach program for Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Reno. Trinity served children aged 3 to 6 for 23 years before adding an elementary class in 1994. From 1994 to 1998 school enrollment expanded. The flood of 1997, coupled with the growing Elementary Program, created the need for the school to move to a different location. With this move came our new name; Mountain View Montessori was opened at 565 Zolezzi Lane in September of 1999. Our new location allowed us to grow our Children's House and Elementary classes and add our Toddler and Adolescent Communities.
“The child's development follows a path of successive stages of independence, and our knowledge of this must guide us in our behavior towards him. We have to help the child to act, will and think for himself. This is the art of serving the spirit, an art which can be practiced to perfection only when working among children.”
— Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind
Montessori History
Born in 1870, Maria Montessori was the first woman granted a medical degree by the University of Rome. Her medical work afforded her the opportunity to study the groundbreaking work of Dr. Jean Marc Gaspard Itard and Édouard Seguin. Inspired by their techniques in educating the senses and respecting the individual child, Montessori began her work.
She designed materials and techniques that allowed children to work in ways previously considered beyond their capacity. Through her observations, Montessori realized that learning occurs naturally and joyfully at the proper moment for each individual. In 1907 she established the first Casa de Bambini (Children’s House) and continued to develop her method. Dr. Montessori gave the first training course for teachers in 1909. Her published book, The Montessori Method, was derived from the course notes. During World War II, Dr. Montessori worked in India where she continued to develop her work. She was nominated three times for a Nobel Peace prize. She died in Holland in 1952.
Montessori Around the World
The current success and broad presence of Montessori is based on a rich history. For more than 115 years, the Montessori method has been quietly revolutionizing education. There are more than 5,000 Montessori schools in the United States and more than 20,000 in 110 countries worldwide. Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) has affiliate Societies in 24 countries over four continents and 62 training centers worldwide.
Educateurs sans Frontières (EsF) is a division of AMI dedicated to working with individuals, families, communities, organizations and governments to further the rights, education, and welfare of children worldwide. EsF is committed to transcending borders to serve children through innovative educational initiatives using Montessori principles and practices. EsF functions as a social movement that strives to promote the rights of the child throughout the world, irrespective of race, religion, political, and social beliefs, in cooperation with other bodies and organizations that further the development of education, human rights, and peace.
AMI and AMI/USA
Dr. Maria Montessori founded Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) in 1929. The objectives of the Association are to uphold, propagate and further the pedagogical principles and practices formulated by Dr. Maria Montessori for the full development of the human being. AMI’s pedagogical integrity maintains the level of excellence that Maria Montessori envisioned in the application and practice of Montessori pedagogy. AMI pedagogical standards ensure AMI recognized schools offer programs that allow children to develop their physical, intellectual, social, and emotional potential and ensure the approach is consistent with the content presented in AMI training courses worldwide.
AMI is recognized internationally as an authoritative voice regarding the unique nature of childhood, natural human development, and the rights of the child. AMI is identified and sought after nationally and internationally as the custodian and cultivator of Montessori philosophy and pedagogy.
AMI is invited to assist international and national humanitarian and government authorities in addressing social and educational issues where positive change can be effected through the education of children.
AMI/USA represents the Association Montessori Internationale in the United States. As AMI’s largest primary operational affiliate in the US, AMI/USA oversees school recognition and consultation programs, conferences and events, and individual membership opportunities. AMI/USA supports the work of public, charter, and private schools, teachers, administrators, and Montessori parents in the United States. The mission of AMI/USA is to bring the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori to the education of children, to help them attain their full potential in our society.
