The Montessori Classroom is highly structured. The choices that
students are encouraged to make are very clear. These specific
rules teach the student how to move through, and manage the
environment (classroom). Respect for self, respect for others
and respect for the environment are the basis for the rules. At
Palm Harbor Montessori Academy, we have high expectations for
our students. Each student must have a sense of independence and
responsibility to be able to manage in the Montessori
environment successfully. The teachers at Palm Harbor Montessori
observe the students constantly. Along with observation comes
working one on one with each child and this enables the teachers
to informally assess each student’s progress. The teachers
prepare the environment and then guide the student to the
materials that are best suited for them that day. The materials
are all very well structured and sequenced in every environment.
The structure in the environment contributes to the student’s
freedom of choice and there is