Catholic Montessori

Let us leave the life free to develop within the limits of the good, and let us observe this inner life developing. 

- Maria Montessori

Why Catholic Montessori?

Maria Montessori was a devout Catholic and integrated Catholicism throughout the original environment. She envisioned how catechesis could be approached in this way as well. Collaborators (Biblical scholars, priests, Montessori guides) along with the children have since developed the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Through the prepared environment of the atrium and aid of a formed catechist, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd helps the relationship between God and the child to flourish.

What are the benefits?

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program is a component of the Catholic Montessori Program at St. Louis Catholic School. It helps the individual child grow closer to God, in prayer, in spirit, and in life. The Atrium environment, the catechist role, and special materials are all designed and prepared in the spirit of Montessori. Montessori education is designed to cultivate academically competitive scholars, enthusiastic lifelong learners, and future adults ready and empowered to serve the world communities of tomorrow.
 

CURRENTLY, Two OF OUR SCHOOLS IN THE DIOCESE OF AUSTIN OFFERS THE CATHOLIC MONTESSORI PROGRAM:

St. Louis Catholic School

In 2017, St. Louis Catholic School in Austin added a Catholic Montessori track for young students. This program gives parents a choice of traditional early childhood programming or the Montessori method using the Catechesis of the Good Shephard. The Montessori program begins by serving children in the primary years (ages 3 to 5) and may continue through elementary (ages 6 to 9) based on interest.

Light of Christ Catholic Montessori School

Light of Christ Catholic Montessori School in the Diocese of Austin offers a five-day per week, three-year Montessori program for children ages 3-6.  On the grounds of St. John Neumann Catholic Parish in Austin, the school serves the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of the child with the full suite of Montessori materials, as well as the Level 1 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd materials and the Music Together in school program. Nature, music, and liturgical celebrations that support the Catholic faith will be woven into the children's week. Classrooms are led by AMI-trained and CGS Level 1 certified Montessori guides.