The educational philosophy at Ronald Knox is based upon the research
and work of Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian-born educator and the first
woman physician in Italy. Fundamental to her approach is the idea
that children must have freedom, achieved through order and self-discipline,
in order to develop to their full potential.
The following characteristics of the Montessori education
foster the Ronald Knox mission:
Integrated Curriculum
Sometimes referred to as the "whole child" approach,
Montessori's holistic curriculum features activities
and materials that promote physical, emotional, social and
intellectual development.
Mixed Age Groupings
The three-year age span in each Early Childhood classroom
(ages 3-6) creates a cooperative learning environment that
fosters multi-age friendships and conversations. In this
family-like setting, older children gain self-esteem by
assisting and guiding the younger children, while they,
in turn, benefit from the availability of older and wiser
role models.
Process over Product
The Montessori classroom is process-driven rather than product-oriented.
Materials and activities are carefully prepared to allow
children to follow a complete work cycle, thus enabling
them to achieve a sense of completion and achievement, the
key elements to the development of intrinsic motivation
and self-confidence.
Development of Discipline and Independence
Children are encouraged to work independently, becoming self-directed
learners. Large blocks of uninterrupted time allow children
to explore their environment, while making decisions and managing
their time well. This fosters self-confidence, self-discipline
and independence in later life.
Social Development
One of the major goals in our educational setting is to learn
to live in harmony with each other. Children are expected
to respect their peers and teachers as they interact, support
and work productively towards the common goal. At RKMS,
the ability to learn to live in peace within a community
is greatly valued. Children pattern their social behavior
after adults and "leading by example" plays a
critical role in our classrooms and throughout our community.
Spontaneous Activity in the Educational Process
Since each child is at a different point developmentally,
the children are given the freedom to learn at their own
pace and in their own style. There are no set academic goals
for age levels; instead, the Directress observes each child
and provides materials specific to their skill-level and
interests.
These qualities result in active, self-directed learning
that strikes a balance between individual mastery and small
group collaboration.
