Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952), Montessori education is based on these principles, as set forth by the American Montessori Society:

• The aim of Montessori education is to foster competent, responsible, adaptive citizens who are lifelong learners and problem solvers.

• The individual is considered as a whole. The physical, emotional, social, aesthetic, spiritual, and cognitive needs and interests are inseparable and equally important.

• Respect and caring attitudes for oneself, others, the environment, and all life are necessary.

• Learning occurs in an inquiring, cooperative, nurturing atmosphere. Students increase their own knowledge through self- and teacher-initiated experiences.

In Montessori schools, students are grouped in small, multi-age classrooms in which trained teachers foster their learning and growth as they are developmentally ready.

MYTH: In Montessori schools, students do whatever they feel like doing. It’s chaotic.

FACT: Montessori schools use a structured approach to guide students towards becoming self-directed. Teachers present lessons and set goals for individual students, who then work both collaboratively and individually. The result is a thoughtful and guided classroom experience.

MYTH: Montessori schools are overly structured.

FACT: Curiously, there exist two opposing views regarding Montessori education - the myth of rigid schooling with a focus on surface-level memorization for standardized testing, and its actual approach that fosters creativity, self-discipline, and self-directed learning. The authentic Montessori methodology, as delineated previously, is structured to cultivate these traits.

MYTH: Montessori is a religious doctrine. Sometimes it is assumed to be affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.

FACT: True to the tenets of the Montessori philosophy, our esteemed institution, CVMS, is devoid of any religious associations. As is consistent with most Montessori institutions, we at CVMS foster a culture of empathy and regard for our fellow beings, nurture our students' sense of accountability towards the environment, and strive towards inculcating a global perspective in them, laying emphasis on peaceful coexistence.

MYTH: Montessori focuses on creativity, but not on math, science, and technology.

FACT: The Montessori method excels at imparting mathematical education with its unique curriculum that incorporates hands-on materials that encourage student engagement. At every stage of education, our students develop a comprehensive understanding of various mathematical concepts. Similarly, the Montessori approach to science instills an inquisitive spirit that combines knowledge of the scientific methodology and its associated processes. Our pupils at CVMS are exposed to technology right from Early Childhood, gradually progressing to higher levels of sophistication. Our curriculum emphasizes the acquisition of core skills in math, science, and technology, complemented by the ability to analyze information and solve problems independently as well as collaborate with others.