About Anami Montessori School
We help children understand the world—not only because it is infinitely interesting and learning is fun, but also to equip them to be able to make it a better place.
Anami Montessori assists in the construction of a fully integrated human being who will ultimately be able to happily and effectively contribute to society. This is accomplished through not only offering a solid academic foundation, but also emphasis on independence, self-direction, choice, collaboration, cooperation and peace.
As one of the most established Montessori schools in Charlotte (begun nearly 30 years ago), Anami Montessori School offers a comprehensive education from age three to twelve. In a non-sectarian setting, amid surroundings designed to support the principles that have made Montessori one of the most effective education systems in the world, our students develop the emotional, social, physical, and intellectual skills needed to live the lives they were born to live. Maria Montessori writes of this substantive process as “preparation for life.” Anami Montessori’s graduates are self-reliant, intellectually curious, and fully equipped for the adventure of life.
Maria Montessori believed that within each child is the person he will become: “The child is father to the man.”
At the heart of aiding the child in this development to his fullest potential—in constructing himself as a complete human being (physically, intellectually, socially and emotionally)—are some core beliefs:
- That learning is best done through active participation—i.e., by doing.
- That we all learn best when we want to, and not when we’re coerced by external rewards or competition.
- That cooperation and collaboration are skills best learned and refined from earliest childhood.
- A life well lived is integral to both the individual and to society.
Montessori education succeeds because it is based on the principles of natural human development. Therefore, it meets the needs of the individual—regardless of the child’s learning style, social maturity or ability. Each Montessori classroom is a prepared environment (with carefully arranged, sequential learning materials) where children are free to exercise their natural drive to work and learn. Their natural love of learning is encouraged by providing them opportunities to engage in spontaneous, meaningful activities. It is through their work with the materials that the children develop concentration, motivation, persistence and self-discipline.
The mixed ages and diverse backgrounds of the children allow for development both individually and socially. The more experienced children share what they have learned with those newer to the class.
As a guide and observer, a goal of the Montessori teacher is to intervene less and less as the child develops. The teacher is more active with the younger children at each level, showing them the use of the materials and presenting activities based on an individual assessment of each child. The teacher develops an understanding of when to observe and when to intervene through a rigorous and specialized course of training at one of the AMI training centers (located in the United States and throughout the world).
The Montessori child is free to learn because, through exposure to order, he has acquired an inner discipline of concentration, thoroughness and perseverance. The groundwork for a lifetime of confident, joyful and interested learning is laid as the child develops socially and intellectually. He becomes self-reliant, intellectually curious, and fully equipped for the adventure of life.
There are two classes for Primary children (three to six year olds) and one for Elementary children (ages six-12).
Anami is supported by tuition income as well as by charitable gifts. Minority children comprise about 20 percent of Anami’s total enrollment. Eleven countries are represented among presently enrolled families. The school welcomes all students regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender or disability.