Where children are given the guidance and freedom to strengthen their social-emotional tools, academic endeavors, physical capabilities, and problem-solving skills through self-driven independence.
We build caring and open relationships between our educators, children and families. We believe that we have a great responsibility to the children and to the parents to care for them in a manner that helps them set up the initial building blocks to succeed in their education journey. The primary goal is to guide each child to reach their fullest potential in all areas of their lives while nurturing their unique personalities in a safe, kind and loving environment that is prepared to focus on each child’s individual abilities, needs and learning styles.
When looking for the right Montessori School for your precious child, please ask if all staff members have Montessori certification, especially the assistants! Assistants play a huge role in your child's development and a lack of training could undermine the entire Montessori Pedagogy. Here at Little Tree even our assistants have completed certified Montessori Training so that the children in our care get the absolute best this world has to offer. We are all excited about and love what we do.
Little Tree offers quality Montessori education in a stimulating and carefully crafted environment for children ages 2 – 10 years of age. We are proud to have a program inspired by the Montessori pedagogy: a method of education named after Dr. Maria Montessori. The Montessori method is deeply ingrained with the belief that each human being is driven by human tendencies and when the child is allowed to develop, unimpeded, they would unlock their inner potential. Sparking in them the desire to contribute to humanity and society. The Montessori Method is a developmentally appropriate way of learning, where each child is followed by a specifically trained guide (teacher). The Guide(teachers) sets parameters in the classroom while the child selects their focus of learning based on their curiosity and interests. It is also the guide’s intention to foster within the child a sense of wonder and a desire to explore the materials in a way that fosters a lifelong love of learning. Overall, teachers provide an environment where children have the freedom to pursue learning and work to model kindness, conflict resolution, and, most importantly, respect.
Helping your child strengthen their body and refine their large motor skills; we offer instruction on mat work, balance beam, and bar.
Giving time to learning about the world around us and holidays from here and other countries, participating in themed crafts and activities to accompany the information or celebration.
At Little Tree we work hard to give back to the beautiful world we live in by participating and hosting food or blanket drives, raising money for class supplies to enhance the learning for the children in St. Lucia and by participating in various community events in San Benito County.
Maria Montessori developed “going out” to connect the children with the outside world. It is designed to foster greater independence and resourcefulness while giving the children real-life experiences. Students at Little Tree enjoy and thrive in this process.
Researchers have found that in addition to enhanced problem-solving skills, Children who are exposed to a second language are better at planning, concentrating, and multi-tasking. They score higher on standardized tests and it improves the brain’s executive functioning.
Lead Primary Guide – Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) diploma at the
Primary level from Montessori Northwest in Portland, OR.
Certificated AMI Elementary Assistant from Loyola University Maryland
Certified Caregiver and Me Coach
Lead Elementary Guide with Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies through San Francisco State University and Accredited American Montessori Society Elementary Credential through Saint Mary’s College
Assistant in both classrooms and Administration specialist. Miss Makenzie holds AMI primary assistant certificate and AMI elementary assistant certificate along with her bachelor’s in psychology.
Research indicates that children who are mentally healthy tend to be happier, show greater motivation to learn, have a more positive attitude toward school, more eagerly participate in class activities, and demonstrate higher academic performance than less mentally healthy peers (Hyson 2004; Kostelnik et al. 2015). This is why, at Little Tree School, we focus on the social / emotional well being of all the children which leads to better self regulation, happiness and higher academic success! To wellbeing.
My Great Granddaughter attends Little Tree School. She has benefited so much from it. I am so impressed by the loving kindness and guidance she receives every day. She is encouraged to take “ownership” of her actions and provided opportunities to build her confidence in her own abilities, while at the same time learning new skills. It’s a fantastic combination!! I’m so very thankful that Eden has these opportunities. She is getting an excellent “head start” on her life journey. I can’t recommend Little Tree enough. This world would be a much better place if ALL children could get such a good start in life.