The Montessori approach has been described as 'an education for life' which promotes a lifelong enjoyment of learning for the sake of learning. It is based on the premise that each individual is unique, but individuals progress differently through stages of development. The individual learns by experiences in a well-developed learning environment where guidance and support are provided.

A child can learn at his own pace in this atmosphere: advancement is encouraged and reinforcement is continuous as the classroom contains appropriate exercises that promote understanding through the use of hands-on materials and research.

Montessori materials are the tools that help children learn by involving them in the process of investigation and discovery. Each material, piece of equipment or exercise is designed to isolate and teach a specific skill or concept. The materials are displayed on low, open shelves that are arranged in sequence and with eye-appeal. Children are motivated by their natural curiosity and desire to become involved. By "doing", the student becomes confident, self-reliant and develops discipline to reach out for knowledge and develop skills.

The classes are organized with approximately 18-20 students divided in three-year age groups where approximately one-half of the class returns each year. This promotes continuity and the opportunity for each child to work in a stable group as a novice, continuing student and/or mentor. Leadership and collaborative learning develop important relationships among peers at different levels, and the teacher-student relationship is strong and efficient. The classroom is a specially prepared environment that provides lessons and guidance for children to learn at the appropriate pace within the structure.

The Montessori method promotes the child taking the responsibility to educate himself. As the atmosphere is stimulating and the lessons are appropriate to individual needs, an educator, parent or student can access daily progress from the work accomplished. Casa Montessori uses quality grade-level or more advanced workbooks, makes progress reports three times/year, holds two parent-teacher conferences/year and uses the Comprehensive Test for Basic Skills examinations for standard evaluation. Almost all students perform in a range that is higher than average for "Grade Level." A large percent perform in at 90% or better.

Children and the possibilities they hold in their hearts and minds inspire Janann Taylor. She enjoys sharing the Montessori curriculum with children by stimulating and supporting learning with interactive and integrative projects.

Always looking for ways to contribute to the community and care for the environment, Jan plans excursions and assemblies that lead to developing relationships that go beyond the school site.

Efforts are continuously made to publish student writing through a newsletter, journals, bulletin boards and oral reading.

Preservation of the environment and conservation are goals that are demonstrated at school. Adopting desert tortoises, recycling, and gardening are some examples. Composting and use of earth friendly products also are priorities. By participating and encouraging her students in the international “Odyssey of the Mind”, Jan Taylor coordinated and validated students’ talents to succeed at the state level with technical, artistic, performance and collaborative elements.

The school’s name reflects Jan Taylor’s belief that studying both the arts and the sciences develops a foundation for a full life and complete human being. With Dr. Maria Montessori’s ideas of personal responsibility, compassion and respect for others, our society and civilization advance and improve. Additionally, each human being can participate in a quality life more completely with experiences in practical life, senses and the intellect.

To create good art, one must have a good understanding of physics, chemistry and nature. One will fully appreciate the sciences by expressing their meaning through the arts. A basic concept of Montessori teaching is the connections one subject has for another. In Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”, one can sense the elements and energy radiating into space. One is inspired to research and understand more. Having knowledge of the solar system can motivate one to write a symphony like “Planets” by Gustav Holtz.

As Director, Jan Taylor has gathered a team of talented and dedicated educators who can expose children to wonderful guidance and mentoring.