Montessori Children's House of Lawrence

Montessori Children’s House of Lawrence (MCHL) is a non-profit American Montessori Society full member primary school. Opening in 1974, we provide a year round Early Childhood through Kindergarten education for children aged 2 ½ to 6 years. The children who stay for this year are well prepared for the first grade in the public schools or for admission into one of Lawrence’s Montessori Elementary programs. We are gifted to be able to continually observe the beauty and value of the Montessori Method as it guides children to reach their full potential. We prepare each area (Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language , etc. . . ) of the environment, or classroom, in a way that provides each child with the opportunity to reach their full potential. As a Children’s House, it is just that, a place for the children; that is, the furniture, tools, and materials are sized for a child’s hand and body. There are no ‘adult’ chairs or desks in the environment. By offering the children their own space, they, in turn, tend to it as such. Many children will rush over to help if a spill or mess occurs. The well-ordered design, attractive materials, and freedom of choice appeals and supports each child during sensitive periods for development. It is a safe and comfortable atmosphere with loving adults that honor each child’s individuality offering individual guidance and demonstrations on new materials. We respect each child’s efforts in this and allow this to unfold individually based on each unique child. “We cannot know the consequences of suppressing a child's spontaneity when he is just beginning to be active. We may even suffocate life itself. That humanity which is revealed in all its intellectual splendor during the sweet and tender age of childhood should be respected with a kind of religious veneration. It is like the sun which appears at dawn or a flower just beginning to bloom. Education cannot be effective unless it helps a child to open up himself to life.” ― Maria Montessori