Dubuque Montessori School. It’s something unique in our community.

Montessori’s very child-led.

Being here just gives them the opportunity to think outside the box.

Independence. The ability to find their voice.

Building their confidence. We don’t have very set rules on how things need to be done.

Each child is centered in their own learning.

We really want them to explore.

Really what we want to do is instill a love of learning in them. When the children come through the door, they’re treated as their unique individual self, and taught what they need to know at that time in their life.

Children know a lot more than we give them credit for. When you give them materials, and you watch them learn through the materials, they can learn really on their own. That’s why a lot of our works are hands-on, for them to explore with. And each child will get a different experience out of the same work.

We signed up for Harvest Box of the Month, and every month they bring something in, and this month was the microgreens. And then over the past couple days sitting in the sun they’ve just exploded growing. You know, they didn’t have to try it, but I encouraged them just to explore with their other senses. What does it smell like? What does it feel like? We have a Montessori tree puzzle, and you know it starts as the big picture and then you can really take it down small. Well it started off as this teeny, tiny seed, this 50-foot tree started off as a tiny seed. These tiny delicate things are the most important system for their nutrients.

Each child is a unique individual. They are given this wonderful prepared environment to be able to learn freely, explore hands-on materials. What, at this moment in their life, what window is open? What can they absorb?

The Montessori method has taught me patience. It’s made me a kinder person. More aware of the world around me.

This group that I’m working with are parents that have children that attended Montessori as well, so it’s not just a job. It all comes out of the heart for us.

It means the world. It’s one of those things that you kind of have to feel. Bring your child here and see where they gravitate, and just watch how they interact with other kids. It’s hard to put into words why you should come here. No, you need to come experience it, and then you’re like, that’s the place. You know what I mean? Yeah.