Welcome to Mariposa Montessori School
The word mariposa, which means “butterfly” in Spanish, aptly captures the creative and independent spirit of the children’s educational experience. A butterfly symbolizes a new beginning and awakening to novel and exciting experiences; also, the wings of a butterfly signify independence and freedom. Mariposa Montessori prides itself in helping develop and encourage the independent spirit of children - allowing them to soar to uncharted heights.
Guided by the Montessori philosophy, our mission is to facilitate and nurture the natural development of the whole child. Our Montessori certified teachers expertly guide students to build strong academic, social, artistic and physical life skills, while embracing the core principles of self-respect, respect for others and respect for the environment.
A blend of dedicated teaching, administrative leadership, and notable parent involvement creates a remarkable community at Mariposa Montessori, fostering positive and interdependent relationships among the children, their families, their peers and the world around them.
Our beautiful campus is defined by prepared indoor and outdoor learning spaces that enable students to experience a diverse range of curriculum. Through a true dedication to high quality Montessori instruction, fostering an innovative learning community and serving our greater community of Los Gatos and the Silicon Valley since 2001, Mariposa Montessori will continue to serve as a model non-profit and exemplary preschool.
Montessori Philosophy
The Montessori Method is a child-centered educational approach founded on the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian educator, physician, and innovator. Based on her scientific observations of children from birth through adulthood, Dr. Montessori believed that children who are at liberty to choose and act freely within an environment prepared per her model, would act spontaneously to ensure their optimal development.
Dr. Montessori developed a child-centered model of learning based on the premise that the mind of a child is like a sponge – absorbing everything, always at the ready to learn something new.
The model has two basic principles:
Children and developing adults engage in psychological self-construction by means of interaction with their environments.
Children, especially under the age of six, have an innate path of psychological development.
Dr. Montessori opened her first classroom, the Casa dei Bambini in Rome, Italy in 1907. Her pedagogy is now implemented and celebrated around the world. Mariposa Montessori is proud to belong to the family of about 4,500 Montessori schools in the United States and about 20,000 schools worldwide!
