In a Ridgewood Montessori School classroom, there is no front of the room and no teacher’s desk as a focal point of attention because the stimulation for learning comes from the total environment.


A teacher is, first of all, a very keen observer of the individual interests and needs of each child and her daily work proceeds from her observation of the child. She demonstrates the correct use of materials as they are individually chosen by the children. She carefully watches the progress of each child and keeps a record of their work with the materials. Our teachers are trained to recognize periods of readiness and sometimes they must divert a child who chooses material that is beyond his ability, and at other times they must encourage a child who is hesitant to take on new and more challenging work.


The teacher is responsible for the creation and maintenance of the environment. This involves the selection, placement and up-keep of everything in the classroom. Careful thought and effort are put into the environment's initial preparation and its modification and re-creation each day.


Dr. Montessori's Ideal Teacher



“The teacher also must be attractive, pleasing in appearance, tidy, clear, calm and dignified. These are the ideals that each can realize in her own way. The teacher’s appearance should be the first step to gaining the child’s confidence and respect. The teacher should study her own movements to make them as gentle and graceful as possible.”


- Maria Montessori

The Absorbent Mind

The Parents' Role in a Montessori Classroom

At Ridgewood Montessori School, we view parents as the primary teachers in a child’s life. The more Montessori teachers and parents communicate and cooperate, the more the student in the Montessori School is likely to benefit. 
Being supportive at home can be done best by first being informed.

It is advantageous to be aware of basic Montessori philosophy and practices and to use these at home when appropriate. Simple things like a step stool at the sink, coats hanging at a level at which the child can access, placing books, toys and art supplies in an orderly way on shelves may all help foster independence.

Recommendations for Further Reading

If you are interested in understanding the great works of Montessori and Montessori Education here are our recommendations for further reading:
We believe that parents are an essential part of the Montessori Method, and should be involved as much as possible in their child’s educational process. We make it a point to have parents feel welcomed at our school.

Our school takes great pride in recognizing how important and successful parent involvement is, and we encourage our parents to take an active role in our school. We offer the opportunity to visit, observe, give presentation to the class and volunteer to help with art projects or reading. Get in touch with us today!