Maria Montessori, born in Italy in 1870, is considered the first female physician in Italy. She later immersed herself in her own studies of educational philosophy, psychology and anthropology.

Maria Montessori innovated the Montessori approach to education, which is focused on following the child and its special interests. Montessori believed that everyone learns differently and at their own pace.

The Montessori approach concentrates on the human tendencies and developmental needs of the child and their inherent, significant role in children’s learning experiences.

Maria Montessori believed that children learn naturally, in an environment that caters to their needs.

She emphasized the importance of the environment in children’s learning and overall development and went on to create a new type of classroom, a prepared environment, to accommodate and stimulate the individual interests of her students.

The Montessori educational approach has successfully been practiced for over a century.