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Montessori Private Academy (MPA) was founded in 1983 by a group of motivated parents desiring to provide an education that fosters self-motivated, rigorous growth for children in all areas of their development-- cognitive, emotional, social, and physical. Consequently, Montessori education was the realization of that dream. Thankfully, their hope came to fruition and MPA has been successfully offering a Montessori education to children from diverse backgrounds in the Rockford area for 40 years.
Our extensive history has generated a strong track record of high-quality Montessori teaching. As an accredited AMS (American Montessori Society) school, MPA adheres to high standards addressing quality teacher training, beautiful and challenging classroom materials, pertinent parent education, and fiscally solid systems. MPA is a not-for-profit corporation governed by a Board of Trustees, including parents, our Head of School, and community members.
Conveniently located on Rockford’s east side, MPA is close to I-90, by-pass 20, and 20 miles from the Wisconsin border. MPA attracts students from Winnebago, Boone, and Rock County, as well as other surrounding communities.
Montessori Private Academy (MPA) is a child-centered Montessori school. Our Mission is to prepare the whole child intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically, not only for the child’s years in school, but throughout life. As the child matures, his Montessori education and experiences will help him become a productive member of the global community.
The Core Goals of an Montessori education:
Multi-sensory learning through hands-on materials in every curriculum area, leading to a strong understanding of the process and integration of information.
Independent thought and actions are learned through accepting responsibility and based on respect for the child’s capabilities and desire to be independent.
Formation of positive social relationships based on daily interactions with other members of a diverse school community.
A strong understanding of the child’s responsibility as an agent of his own education.
Respect for oneself as both a learner and teacher, at each level of development.
The Montessori Approach
At the heart of Montessori education is a simple truth: children learn best through hands-on exploration, and each child develops at their own pace. Dr. Maria Montessori (1870–1952), an Italian physician and anthropologist, revolutionized our understanding of how children learn through decades of careful observation and scientific research.
Her work revealed that children in Toddler and Early Childhood (ages 2 to 6) are naturally driven to explore their environment; touching, seeing, hearing, and absorbing information at a remarkable rate. During this critical period, the brain is most receptive to new concepts, and young learners need movement and tactile engagement. In fact, birth through age 6 represents the most significant period of brain development in a lifetime. Dr. Montessori's insights led to the development of hands-on materials that remain central to Montessori classrooms today.
As children progress to the Elementary years (grades 1–3), they move beyond this absorbent stage and begin learning through inquiry and exploration of more complex ideas. A strong foundation in reading, writing, mathematics, foreign language, and cultural studies is established. Attention spans lengthen, social connections deepen, and children start to understand how concepts relate to one another. They begin taking responsibility not only for themselves but for the broader school community.
By the Upper Elementary years (grades 4–6), with their roots firmly established, children are ready to expand their learning into rich, interconnected areas of study. History, science, advanced mathematics, geometry, art, music, literature, and independent research become natural extensions of their growing knowledge. At this stage, children mature into responsible community members through service and develop the self-discipline and intellectual curiosity that will serve them throughout their lives.
In Middle School (grades 7–8), adolescents channel their growing independence and critical thinking skills into deeper academic pursuits and meaningful contributions to their community. Students engage in project-based learning, collaborative problem-solving, and real-world applications of their knowledge. This stage emphasizes developing leadership, fostering intellectual independence, and cultivating a sense of purpose as young people begin to discover their place in the world. in a lifetime. The Elementary student (grades 1 -3), while past the absorbent stage, learns by inquiry and exploration of more complex concepts. Firm roots are established with a strong curriculum of basic skills in reading, writing, mathematics, foreign language, and cultural subjects.
Mary Sue Reutebuch has showcased her passion for education, Montessori principles, and community building throughout the last 30-plus years via her work within educational organizations as a teacher, director, advisor, consultant, and mentor to peers and school leadership teams. Since entering the Montessori world in 1990, she has consistently honed her craft in fostering the Montessori principles in the lives of students and their families. Her past roles have afforded her extensive experience in developing and implementing Montessori curricula and programs with organizations, teachers, and parents.
She has obtained multiple educational degrees and certifications, including a pre-primary Montessori certification through MECA (Montessori Education Centers Associated), a Bachelor of Science in Education Communication from Ohio University, and a Master’s of Arts in Pastoral Theology from St. Meinrad College/Seminary.
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