Montessori schools, following the philosophical approach of Maria Montessori have proliferated to North America since the early 1960's Montessori schools use unique methods and materials, and hire specially trained teachers. Sequences of prescribed tasks, using didactic Montessori materials, are presented to children in a disignated order. Montessori teachers, or directresses, have received specialized training in an institution accredited for Montessori teacher training, which emphasizes observing children and presenting in sequential steps the directions for activities for which children are ready. The Montessori philosophy includes introducing children to varieties of practical life skills, such as washing dishes, sweeping floors, and watering plants. The curriculum also broaden and refine their sensory perceptions and conceptul components, which means using concrete aademic materials to introduce children to reading writing, math and social studies.

There are particular terms that help explain the Montessori philosophy. Some of these include absorbent mind. Montessori's description of the ease with which young children learn unconsciously from the environment: didactic materials, those that teach children directly by making errors in their use obvious to the child for self-correction: and sensitive periods, the periods of learning during which the Montessori philosophy is the respect for children and their abilities and accomplishments.

Many Montessori schools are for children ages two through six, although in some communities, Montessori edcuation may continue through the elementary grades and beyond. In North America today there are Montessori schools that strictly follow the original techniques, such as the Association Montessori International (AMI), and others that follow practices adapted to North American culture and current thinking, such as the American Montessori Society (AMS)
Definition from the Essentials of Early Childhood Education.