Dear Friends,

 

In 1907, Dr. Maria Montessori, known throughout the world today as simply “Montessori,” introduced a new philosophy which elevated the importance of the development of the child.

Dr. Montessori’s studies in neurology gave birth to the development of “the whole child.” She advocated the importance of balance in a child’s intellectual, spiritual, physical and emotional development. When a child is balanced, it is then that she will reach her fullest potential. We work toward that goal for our children, for our future.

My journey of nearly a half-century, as both Montessori parent, and directress, began with the creation of the Larchmont Montessori School in New York, for my daughter, Leslie. The founding of the Ivanhoe Montessori School in Virginia came out of the outstanding AMI teacher training I had received in Washington, D.C. It was the opportunity of working with emotionally disturbed and handicapped children, using the Montessori method, which is what eventually brought me to Paris.

The Bilingual Montessori School of Paris owes much to Arthur K. Watson, former American Ambassador to France, and to Dr. Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State, for their insight, encouragement and support. Dr. Kissinger once quipped, in his inimitably dry fashion: “Barbara, you couldn’t choose a more difficult country to do your work!” He was right, of course, and this was his way of cautioning me of the challenges to come. But, I liked the challenge of bringing my first bilingual Montessori school to France – and offering an environment for children to learn freely and independently during their critical periods of early growth.

My next three children, two of my grandchildren, and countless other families, have benefited from this bilingual Montessori education. After nearly half a century, the journeys of our students bear witness to the lasting effects of such an education. Invariably, they have matured into confident, life-long learners, possessing a strong sense of creativity, and self-esteem.

I am often asked to explain Montessori in ten words or less. Forty-five years ago, I could not have answered. Now, having spent all these years putting Montessori’s method to the test I can see the whole much more clearly. I would answer today:

Listen to the child, to the child’s rhythm. Respect our environment, the self, and all of us who make up mankind.