Local Montessori school enriching children’s lives

With a philosophy of developing the whole person, Montessori schools have been enriching the lives of children for more than 100 years. The Montessori method was created by Dr. Maria Montessori in Italy to work in tandem with the natural development of young children. This approach is available right here in Maricopa at the Legacy Montessori School.

Legacy Montessori School opened in 2003 with one classroom and expanded to two classrooms in 2006. Founded by Joe and Carol Hoover, the school provides a child-led curriculum for children 18 months to 6 years old. For continuing Montessori education beyond kindergarten, children must go to Phoenix of Ahwatukee.

They have five, full-time staff, three of whom are Montessori certified. This certification requires training in the Montessori method. This training is divided into age group concentrations and is equivalent to a full year of graduate level work.

“What makes us different from other schools is that the curriculum is child-led,” says co-director Joe Hoover. “We encourage independence and allowing children to work at their own skill level.”

The family environment of the school includes sharing meals and working in the school’s garden together. Chickens, a small orchard of fruit trees and a playground round out the outside activities available to students. “The garden gives us the opportunity to show the children where food comes from and teach them about the environment at the same time,” says Hoover.

The Hoovers became residents of Maricopa to be close to their daughter and grandchildren. Carol Hoover has more than 20 years experience as a Montessori teacher.

Open enrollment for the school begins in early April, and the school is open year round. For more information about Legacy Montessori School, call 520-568-9183.

Photo by Jim Williams

(A version of this article appeared in the July issue of InMaricopa News)