Montessori School Fullerton, Orange County, CA 92833

Importance of the arts program in Montessori education.
Ms. Foy
While most public schools are cutting out the music and arts program why does Arborland Montessori Children’s Academy continue to place so much emphasis on the arts?

Cultural education has always been a very important part of Montessori education. Dr. Montessori believed that once the human beings basic needs of food, shelter and safety were met, they looked for other ways to enhance their lives.  If education is viewed as a preparation for life, as Montessori education is described, then an education that neglects ways to nourish the spirit and show a child the joys of music, art, drama and culture, is an incomplete education. Regrettably the budget cuts have forced public schools to seriously cut back or even completely eliminate the arts programs. The development of a child has a serious negative impact without exposure to the arts.

Starting at the toddler level all the way to the upper elementary level our education exposes the child to music and all the arts.  There is research that proves music improves developing intelligence.  "Music is a magical gift we must nourish and cultivate in our children, especially now as scientific evidence proves that an education in the arts makes better math and science students, enhances spatial intelligence in newborns, and let's not forget that the arts are a compelling solution to teen violence, certainly not the cause of it!" Michael Greene, Recording Academy President and CEO at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards, February 2000.

 At Arborland, music, art lessons, drama, public speaking, and dance lessons are an integral part of the curriculum. Dance improves the coordination of a growing child, while providing an outlet for creative energies. There are also extra after school lessons offered at a nominal cost for parents who wish to avail of these for their children.   We believe all these art forms are an extension of language, and offer means of expression for the child.  Our children are also exposed to cultures of their own country and countries of the world. Understanding other cultures sows seeds of tolerance and understanding.