About Us

About the Ridgefield Montessori School

The Ridgefield Montessori School was established in 1999 with one classroom of 12 students. We have since grown to include four classrooms with up to 80 students.

Under the administration of director and owner Catherine Tango-Dykes, the Ridgefield Montessori School offers Toddler, Early Childhood and Kindergarten programs for children ages 18 month to 6 years.

RMS bases its educational philosophy on the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori, who believed in integrating a child’s personality and individual thought processes into that child’s curriculum. Montessori believed that educators should “develop interest rather than give facts”, instilling in a child the curiosity necessary to pursue an individualized education. 

Montessori Principles

Here are the key components and principles of the Montessori curriculum:

• Mixed-Age Classrooms: Montessori classrooms often consist of mixed-age groups, allowing younger children to learn from older peers and fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
• Prepared Environment: Classrooms are carefully prepared to facilitate independent learning. They contain specially designed materials and activities that are accessible to children and encourage exploration and discovery.
• Self-Directed Learning: Children have the freedom to choose activities that interest them and work at their own pace. This autonomy fosters intrinsic motivation, a love for learning, and the development of decision-making skills.
• Montessori Materials: These materials are specifically designed to be self-correcting and encourage hands-on learning. They cover areas such as practical life, sensorial exploration, language, mathematics, cultural studies, and more.
• Role of the Teacher: Montessori teachers act as guides or facilitators, observing children’s interests and needs, and providing appropriate materials and guidance when necessary. They create a supportive environment that nurtures each child’s unique development.
• Emphasis on Independence: The curriculum focuses on fostering independence and self-sufficiency. Activities in practical life and daily tasks empower children to take care of themselves and their environment.
• Freedom within Limits: While children have freedom in choosing activities, there are also guidelines and ground rules that help maintain a sense of order and respect within the classroom community.
• Holistic Development: Montessori education aims to develop the whole child – intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically – by addressing their individual needs and allowing for a well-rounded educational experience.
• Respect for the Child: Montessori education respects each child as an individual with unique interests, strengths, and learning styles. It encourages a supportive and nurturing environment that values the child’s autonomy and dignity.

The Montessori curriculum is not strictly regimented in terms of grade levels, allowing children to progress through materials based on their own pace and readiness. It’s designed to foster a lifelong love of learning and to prepare children for academic success as well as for life beyond the classroom.