Hamilton Montessori School

HMS had a lovely graduation event last week and we're full of gratitude for Novato Mayor Rachel Farac celebrating our students in person and for Marin Supervisor Eric Lucan's thoughtful recognition of our dedicated staff!

HMS welcomes new teacher Lily Zhang!

Lily has worked in Montessori education for over 10 years and holds an AMI Montessori certification.

Lily says; "Montessori feels like a universal language to me―no matter where we are in the world, every child deserves to be understood, respected, and truly seen. I love working with children and helping them grow in confidence, independence, and curiosity. One of my favorite parts of teaching is building meaningful relationships with children and supporting each child’s unique journey. I hope to continue following the child with a scientific, faithful, and humble attitude, supporting each child’s natural growth and development.

I am very excited to be teaching in the United States and to learn from the wonderful children, families, and colleagues here. I look forward to being part of a caring and supportive learning community."

Call to take a tour and meet Ms Lily and the rest of our wonderful and experienced staff.

Still looking for summer camps? Come discover at HMS!

Summer Camp 2026 is now enrolling for Art and Science fun… Come join us to create and discover together!

Thank you to all the friends and families who joined us for Hamilton Montessori School’s recent Winterfest Celebration. The children in the toddler and preschool classes worked hard to practice and prepare for their performance. To have many loved ones in the audience was very special for the children and staff. And to those who participated in the festive Cookie Exchange, we hope you enjoyed your delicious sweet treats at home! The staff is all grateful to be part of this supportive and loving community. At HMS, we light a candle for peace for the children all know that “Peace Begins with Me.” Looking forward to 2026 with great joy and commitment! 💜

Thank you to our wonderful naturalist, Carly, from WildCare in San Rafael, California for the informative and exciting presentation on mammals last week. The children and all the teachers learned so much about mammals and the unique characteristics that they all share. Carly was so engaging and held the interest of all our students! We learned about harbor seals, hares, opossums, bats, fawns, and more. WildCare is such a significant organization in Marin County because of all the care and medical attention they give to animals in need. Their nature educational program and wildlife rehabilitation is truly inspiring! Please consider supporting this important organization.

AUTHENTIC MONTESSORI TRAINING
AMI/AMS/MACTE

“THIS PREPARATION IS A SPIRITUAL ONE.”
How can we deepen the understanding of the true foundations of Montessori to newcomers?
Yesterday a student, New to Montessori posed a question saying:
“Why didn’t we learn this in our training ?”
BEHAVIOUR. REAL GRACE AND COURTESY. THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE ADULT.

“We didn’t study that!”

“Theory was one month and it was just that - theory.”

“Grace and Courtesy” “was incorporated into Practical Life as please, thank you lessons.”

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Are Montessori “teachers” ready to lead and guide a group of 25 students after training?

Why are “Montessori” “teachers” struggling?

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“The teacher must not imagine that she can prepare herself for this work by merely studying books or by having theoretical ideas about education.”
Dr Maria Montessori
The Absorbent Mind

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Do we witness “Monte”-something/inspired/sorry via social media or even on visiting schools around the world?

What can we do about helping the true authentic Montessori to really sink in; to allow the students (new teachers or traditional teachers switching over) to gain deepest understanding?

Every “face” tells a story.

Every “image” tells a story.

There are thousands of stories representing “Montessori and thousands that cry out: “Help me!” “I don’t understand”

IT BEGINS AT THE TOP.

Here the full quote:

“The teacher must not imagine that she can prepare herself for this work by merely studying books or by having theoretical ideas about education.

She must prepare herself inwardly.

This preparation is a spiritual one,

and she must develop within herself certain qualities,

such as patience,

humility,

and love for the child.”

Dr Maria Montessori
The Absorbent Mind

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TRAINING CENTERS - should knuckle down to introducing the very essence of the “behavior” of adults and children in the environment. What we see is what we get.

HOW DO I EXPECT THE CHILD TO BEHAVE? How must I behave?

WHAT MUST CHILDREN WEAR? What must I wear?

WHAT DISTRACTS A CHILD? How am I distracted?

WHY IS THE CHILD WETTING HIS PANTS EVERY DAY? What happens if I can’t rush off to the bathroom?

IS THE CHILD HUNGRY? What do I do if I am hungry?

WHY ARE GROUPS OF CHILDREN GATHERING TALKING 9 TO A DOZEN? Why would I join a group of people heavily in interesting discussion?

So many, many questions. And yes, we cannot answer them all but the basics….THE FOUNDATION OF CHARACTER…

ETIQUETTE - behavior in the training center.

GRACE - in the training center.

ETIQUETTE - in the schools from the HEAD OF SCHOOL

GRACE - in the schools starting from the HEAD OF SCHOOL

Training Centers and Professional Development Courses should be the ROLE MODELS enabling new-to-Montessori fullest understanding.

“The teacher must not imagine that she can prepare herself for this work by merely studying books or by having theoretical ideas about education. She must prepare herself inwardly. This preparation is a spiritual one, and she must develop within herself certain qualities, such as patience, humility, and love for the child.”

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“The teacher’s first duty is to watch over the environment,

(Having prepared it to perfection. Less is more.)

and this takes precedence over all else. (Understanding that the teacher has been transformed. That the teacher knows and understands the Spiritual Preparation of Self)

Her role is not to teach in the ordinary sense,

but to guide and observe

the spontaneous activities of the child.” (Within the framework of the Montessori Method; the AMI/AMS/MACTE) Montessori curriculum. (The training of Montessori through reading of books does not qualify.)
Dr Maria Montessori
The Montessori Method

Global Montessori Community
With the deepest hope of true transformation of adults rippling throughout the Montessori Communities.

BEHAVIOR speaks volumes.

“The teacher must not imagine that she can prepare herself for this work by merely studying books or by having theoretical ideas about education. She must prepare herself inwardly. This preparation is a spiritual one, and she must develop within herself certain qualities, such as patience, humility, and love for the child.”
The Absorbent Mind

Phillip Montessori

Welcome to our new school year, 2025-2026 at Hamilton Montessori School! What a wonderful group of children we have in our toddler and preschool classes. After a few months now, the students are settling into their classroom routines and procedures, making social connections, and growing in independence, responsibility, and confidence! We love our beautiful campus as we explore the signs of autumn all around us. The staff is excited to continually prepare the learning environment and look forward to the months ahead nurturing young hearts and minds.

Good bye Summer 2025… What a FUN summer camp experience we all had! We enjoyed our many musical experiences, expressing ourselves through dance, song, and our many instruments. Exploring our beautiful campus and beyond was a joy for our senses. We delighted in our newly gated courtyard, thanks to the many two wheel glider bicycles donated by families. (And yes, we would love some more!) And finally, we welcomed many new families to our HMS community and said a teary farewell to students moving on to new learning adventures.

The staff is excited for the upcoming school year. We will be busy preparing our classrooms, and participating in staff development all this week. The new school year begins Monday, August 25, 2025!

Dr. Maria Montessori observed that real learning happens through meaningful experiences. When children engage with nature, they are not just taking care of plants - they are developing care, awareness, and respect for the world around them.