Dr. Maria Montessori was Italy's first female to become a physician. Although trained in science, mathematics, and anthropology, she was also a philosopher, lecturer, and teacher.

Dr. Montessori instigated an educational approach to school reform in 1907 that was both creative and transformative. It continues to thrive today in private and public schools across our nation and around the world.

During her continuous observations of young children, she excited discovered the child's immense curiousity and capacity for learning. She termed it, "The Secret of Childhood."

Particularly because of her concern about meeting children's needs for health, Dr. Montessori centered her energies upong creating learning environments to encourage children's optimal development. And then, she wholeheartedly took action to transform the direction of education to reflect her commitment.

Dr. Montessori was a dedicated advocate for children's rights and social reform. She lectured to adults to raise awareness and understanding about children's vital physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs.

The results of Dr. Montessori's combined vision and effort provides teachers and families today with a delightful pathway to link knowledge with understanding about children and life.