In the early 1900’s, Dr. Maria Montessori, Italy’s first female physician, developed educational materials and methods based on her belief that children learn best by doing, not by passively accepting other people’s ideas and pre-existing knowledge. Dr. Montessori believed learning should occur in multi-age classrooms where children at various stages of development learn from and with each other. Her advice was always, “Follow the Child.”

The Montessori approach succeeds because it draws its principles from the natural development of the child. The first level of development occurs from birth to age six. At this stage, children are sensorial explorers, constructing their intellects by absorbing every aspect of their environment, their language and their culture. The second plane is from age six to 12; children become conceptual explorers. They develop their powers of abstraction and imagination, and apply their knowledge to discover and expand their worlds further. The third plane of development is ages 12 – 18 and is the adolescent period. The hallmark of this age group is to understand one’s place in society and explore the skills needed to further the individuals “Great Work” for life. Our school is organized to reflect these stages; Primary classrooms three – six-year-olds, Lower Elementary six – nine-year-olds and Upper Elementary nine – 12-year-olds, Erdkinder 12 – 14-year-olds.

Our mission statement is the guiding force behind AFM’s goals. Differentiation is built into the Montessori pedagogy and every student has his or her own individual learning plan. Our diversity is maximized within our educational philosophy. Students work collaboratively in small groups throughout the day on interdisciplinary projects. Groups are formed with student interest, diversity in race, economic status and skill-level in mind in order to enrich the experience for each child and elevate social interaction.

At AMI schools a three-year accreditation cycle is established. AF Montessori is accredited at both the Primary and Elementary Levels. To be an Associated AMI Public Montessori School it must follow the AMI standards and have consultation visits every three years to assure the standards are being met. During these visits each classroom teacher is observed, and a report for each as well as an overall report of the school is submitted and recommendation for association is then made.

Annie Fisher Montessori Mission and Vision

Our mission is to provide a high-quality public Montessori program within a racially, ethnically and economically diverse school community.

Annie Fisher Montessori Magnet School offers children ages three to thirteen years old a free, public Montessori education implemented to the highest standards set by Association Montessori Internationale. The Annie Fisher Montessori program seeks to develop in students the power to shape their own lives and the world around them while embracing its racially, ethnically and economically diverse school community. Our vision is to provide a peaceful environment which unleashes children’s natural curiosity and desire for lifelong learning. A Montessori education emphasizes a multi-sensory curriculum that allows for individualized progression. Students learn and are challenged at their own pace as they develop socially and academically. We foster self-confidence, leadership and respect for self and others, encouraging students to become self-motivated and intellectually engaged learners.