Under the administration of director and owner Cathy Tango, the Ridgefield Montessori School offers a toddler program, an early childhood program for children ages 2 to 6 and kindergarten classes. Extended day programs are available for children whose parents work long days.
The curriculum includes sensory development, mathematics, reading, geography, history, science, art and music. The school also offers enrichment programs in a variety of subjects that change each year. Past subjects have included fine arts, dance, cooking, science, foreign language and yoga.
The school bases its educational philosophy on the teachings of educator Maria Montessori, who believed in integrating a child’s personality and individual thought processes into that child’s curriculum. Montessori believed that educators should “develop interest rather than give facts,” instilling in a child the curiosity necessary to pursue an individualized education. Montessori schools do not give grades but believe that, if encouraged properly, children will see accomplishment as more rewarding than a numeric evaluation.
Because the Montessori method depends largely on a child’s interaction with his or her surroundings, the Ridgefield Montessori School offers plenty of opportunities for its students to explore the world outside of school. Common field trip destinations include Aldrich Museum of Art, Woodcock Nature Center, New Canaan Nature Center and Blue Jay Orchards.