Dr. Maria Montessori opened the first Children's House in an oppressed area of Rome, Italy in 1907. Through her studies with the neglected in the asylums of Rome, Maria was developing a method of working with and teaching children that focused more on the child and the child's needs rather than the teacher. She prepared a child-sized environment complete with all of the tools necessary for the children to care for themselves and their surroundings. She developed materials and lessons based on the interest of the children that were hands-on and enticing to the children. Maria not only taught the children the traditional academics, but also basic practical life skills and social graces which prepared the children to interact successfully with the world around them.

As her success stories spread, Dr. Montessori was asked to open schools in less needy areas where children thrived and excelled through her hands-on approach. Now, in 2007, Montessori schools are opening throughout the world. Her approach to teaching has been recognized as exceptional, not experimental. Public and charter schools throughout the United States continue to adopt her methods. Children throughout cultural and economic variances are learning the basics along with world citizenship skills, practical life exercises and social graces all the way through high school levels.

Dr. Maria Montessori began her approach to teaching as a way to help the unreachable children in the asylums and found a way to reach deeper into all youth. Through cultural studies and peace education Dr. Montessori believed children to be the answer to world peace. This is a common theme that runs through all Montessori schools around the world regardless of the language spoken. We are fortunate to have this method available to us.