History
Montessori education began in 1907, when Dr. Maria Montessori opened the first Casa dei Bambini (Children’s House) in a low-income neighborhood in Rome. A physician and educator, Dr. Montessori developed a revolutionary, child-centered method based on scientific observation. Her approach quickly gained international recognition, spreading across Europe, the Americas, and beyond.
Dr. Montessori published The Montessori Method in 1909, bringing her philosophy to a global audience. In 1929, she founded the Association Montessori International (AMI) to support growing interest in her work. Today, over 22,000 Montessori schools exist in more than 110 countries.
In the U.S., the movement was revitalized in the 1960’s by educator Nancy McCormick Rambusch, who founded the American Montessori Society (AMS). Thanks to advocates like her, Montessori continues to thrive as a respected and transformative educational model.
Dr. Montessori, one of Italy’s first female physicians, was also a passionate advocate for women’s rights and peace education. She dedicated her life to empowering children and teachers through an approach rooted in independence, respect, and curiosity.
Information from American Montessori Association (AMI), http://www.amshq.org/
