Montessori Private Academy (MPA) was founded in 1983 by a group of motivated parents desiring private Montessori education. MPA functions as a not-for-profit corporation with a parent board of trustees. Our extensive history has generated a strong track record of high quality, authentic Montessori teaching. As a full member of the American Montessori Society, MPA adheres to its standards for teacher training, classroom materials, implementation of Montessori philosophy and financial management.
Conveniently located on Rockford’s east side, MPA is close to both I-90 and By-pass 20. MPA attracts students from Rockford, Belvidere, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Rockton-Roscoe, Poplar Grove, Winnebago and other surrounding communities.
Philosophy
Montessori Private Academy (MPA) is a child-centered 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 a Montessori Private Academy education:
- Multi-sensory learning through hands-on materials in every curriculum area, leading to strong understanding of process and integration of information.
- Independent thought and actions 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 Method
The main characteristics of Montessori education are simple and straight forward. Dr. Maria Montessori (1870 -1952), an Italian physician, had an opportunity to do extensive scientific research into how children learn. Years of observation and documentation resulted in the basic principles of the Montessori method and development of many of the hands-on materials still used by Montessori students today.
Simply put, Montessori observed that children in the age range of 2 to 6 years absorb great quantities of information from the environment around them. The brain at this age is predisposed to explore, touch, see, hear and process new concepts. The body is busy and hands need to move. In fact, birth through age 6 is the greatest period of brain development 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. The child’s concentration lengthens, and social relationships become all important. The goal of understanding process and interrelating facts begins. The child is taking responsibility not only for himself, but also the larger school community.
The Elementary student (grades 4-6) with roots firmly established begins to send energy to the branches and leaves. A wealth of information can be easily integrated into this strong framework. History, science, mathematics, geometry, art, music, independent research and writing of all types are fascinating. The world of literature is available for exploration. The child matures to become a responsible member of the larger world through community service. Self-discipline is apparent.
The Middle School student (grades 7, 8 and 9 ) is encouraged to explore the greater world allowing him/her to further build upon the skills learned in previous programs while fostering growth in the various areas of curricular study. The purpose is to allow students to build self confidence, leadership and independence by giving them the academic, practical, intellectual and social tools to master life challenges and meet goals.