Hamilton Montessori School for ages 2 to 6 years old (toddlers through kindergarten) with before- and after-school care for today's families in Novato, California. We use Montessori materials and Montessori trained teachers, who guide the children in the areas of language arts, mathematics, sensorial development, practical living skills, and cultural subjects which include the sciences and social studies. The two classrooms are multi-aged, but divided into basic classrooms:
Toddlers are gently guided in all academic areas of Montessori education, along with an emphasis on grace and courtesy, and positive peer interaction. Preschoolers/Pre-Kindergarteners incorporate the Montessori areas of learning, with an emphasis on cultural subjects and community connection. A Montessori classroom is one in which the best education occurs within a multi-age structure, allowing children to learn, not according to chronological age, but according to academic and developmental ability, strength and interest. Our programs include in-services in the arts and sciences, walking adventures, and outdoor activities which connect with the academic or social lesson of the month. Parent involvement in the school is an important part of what makes Montessori schools successful. Parents volunteer time in school or at home in various aspects of school planning and curriculum. The Beginnings of the HAMILTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Hamilton Montessori School opened its doors in February 2018, on the Unity In Marin campus here in Hamilton Town Center, Novato, California. Although independent and not affiliated with Unity In Marin spiritually, Hamilton Montessori School benefits from the serenity of Unity In Marin’s spiritual center. Unity has a long connection with Montessori schools in the United States. It began with Dr. Elisabeth Caspari, who studied education with Maria Montessori in India, then collaborated with her to open and run a Montessori school. Dr. Caspari eventually moved to the United States. A devoted advocate of the Montessori system of education, she opened the Wee Wisdom Montessori School at Unity Village in Lee’s Summit, Missouri in 1953. Although the preschool at Unity Village closed in 1982, many Unity churches continue to have Montessori preschools today. The themes of education and the importance of the natural process of learning, which develop spontaneously in human beings, are not acquired just by listening to words, but also by experiences. These themes are central to both Unity teachings and Montessori philosophy. As we began to explore how to put our beautiful campus to use to the fullest, we discovered that there is a large need for more preschools in the Novato area. In considering all possibilities, we determined that opening a Montessori preschool is a perfect fit for us, and the community, just as it was at Unity Village in 1952. At Unity In Marin, education is imperative and we were delighted to open our doors to a Montessori preschool.
