How we learn
How we learn

Our learning approach

At Alexander Montessori School, Learning.First™ comes to life through a Montessori approach that recognizes each child as an individual learner. As an accredited Montessori school and one of the oldest and largest independent Montessori schools in South Florida, Alexander Montessori shapes personalized learning through careful observation, dynamic assessment, and flexible grouping - helping students grow with independence, confidence, and joy.

Through purposeful Montessori work cycles, daily routines, assemblies, service opportunities, and meaningful community experiences, students cultivate curiosity, independence, empathy, responsibility, and perseverance. In carefully prepared environments, they grow into caring, confident, and capable learners who develop a lifelong love of learning.

The Montessori method

At AMS, Montessori is more than a teaching approach — it is a way of guiding each child to grow with confidence, independence, joy, and purpose. As a leading Montessori school in Miami, we are rooted in Dr. Maria Montessori’s careful observations of how children learn best, and brought to life in a nurturing school community, our approach allows students to progress at their own pace, build strong academic foundations, and develop self-discipline, empathy, and a love of learning that prepares them for life.

Seen and understood

Each child is met with deep respect for who they are as a learner and as a person. Montessori begins with careful observation, a practice first established by Dr. Maria Montessori and continued at Alexander Montessori School today.

Our teachers thoughtfully observe each student’s needs, interests, readiness, and unique way of learning, then respond with guidance that is intentional and personalized. When children feel truly seen and understood, they feel secure to participate, explore, ask questions, and grow in confidence.

Seen and understood

Joy in learning

Montessori reveals children as eager, capable learners who find genuine joy in meaningful work. In carefully prepared environments, students are naturally drawn to order, discovery, concentration, and hands-on exploration.

They learn not simply to complete tasks, but to enjoy the process of understanding, practicing, and mastering concepts for themselves. This joy becomes a powerful source of motivation, nurturing a lasting love of learning that comes from within.

Joy in learning

Freedom to grow

Children are given meaningful freedom within a structured, supportive environment. They are trusted to make choices, follow their curiosity, and work with increasing independence, while learning to use that freedom with responsibility.

Within this balance of freedom and structure, children grow in confidence, independence, and self-awareness. Rather than relying on rewards or punishments, Montessori nurtures inner discipline - developed through concentration, purposeful activity, and the satisfaction of work chosen by the child.

Freedom to grow

Progress at their pace

At Alexander Montessori School, children are not rushed, compared, or held back. Each student is guided individually across all areas of learning and supported at a pace that reflects their readiness and development.

Students who are ready to move ahead are able to continue growing, while those who need more time are given the space to build understanding with confidence and care. Each new skill is developed on a strong foundation, helping children feel capable and engaged rather than overwhelmed.

Our multi-age classrooms and carefully prepared environments support this individualized approach, allowing teachers to observe closely, guide intentionally, and respond thoughtfully to each child’s growth.

Progress at their pace

Calm and confidence

When children are free to work from interest and readiness rather than pressure, they learn with greater ease, focus, and a sense of emotional security. Montessori reduces the strain that can come from comparison, coercion, or trying to keep up before a child is developmentally ready.

In this calm and supportive environment, students are able to concentrate deeply, direct their energy purposefully, and take pride in their own progress. Even highly active and curious children benefit from meaningful work that engages their minds in positive, satisfying ways, supporting confidence and healthy emotional development over time.

Calm and confidence

A caring community

Montessori supports the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and ethically. Children develop initiative, judgment, and independence, along with the ability to make thoughtful choices, while learning to live and work with others in a true social community.

Opportunities for mutual support are woven into daily life. Children naturally help one another, offering assistance with joy and receiving it with gratitude. In this way, students grow into kind, responsible, and capable individuals, developing the character and values that form the foundation of good citizenship.

Montessori’s enduring presence across cultures reflects something universal: children thrive when they are respected, trusted, and given the opportunity to become their best selves.

A caring community

If teaching is to be effective with young children, it must assist them to advance on the way to independence.

Dr. Maria Montessori

Future-ready skills

ISP’s research-led approach helps students build the life competencies they need to thrive now and throughout their lifetime. These core human skills grow through learning experiences embedded across every stage of the learning journey.

Cognitive

Thinking deeply, questioning and problem-solving: "I lead my learning by solving problems, communicating confidently, and managing my time effectively."

Critical thinking

Making sense of information, solving problems, and making smart decisions

Creativity

Generating new ideas, exploring different perspectives and innovating 

Curiosity

Asking "why?" and "what if?" to deepen understanding and spark new ideas

Global

Understanding the world and taking action:  "I am curious about different cultures and take action for a better world."

Citizenship

Recognising one's role in the global community

Action

Taking meaningful steps to support social causes 

Understanding

Respecting different perspectives and ways of life

Self-leadership

Managing self, goals and growth:  "I know how I learn best, set goals and stay motivated to improve."

Confidence

Believing in self and tackling challenges with a positive mindset

Learning to Learn

Understanding how to improve learning strategies

Wellbeing

Balancing mental, emotional and physical health

Interpersonal

Working together and building strong relationships: "I collaborate, communicate and build meaningful relationships with others."

Collaboration

Working effectively as a team to achieve shared goals

Communication

Expressing ideas clearly and listening to others

Social-Emotional

Understanding emotions and managing them effectively

Digital

Using technology safely and creatively: "I use digital tools responsibly to communicate, create and innovate."

Digital Literacy

Using technology effectively and safely

Responsibility

Respecting others and making ethical choices online

Innovation

Using technology to develop ideas and improve solutions

Uniquely for ISP schools developed in collaboration with

Where learning comes first

Most schools talk about what they teach. We focus on how your child learns. Through the Learning.First™ approach, students reflect on their progress, explore new approaches and make decisions that drive their growth. 

Kid looking through binoculars Girl smiling Teacher playing with a student Teacher talking to a group of students

Curiosity fuels our learning

The best learning happens when students are actively engaged. We ignite curiosity through hands-on projects and inquiry-based learning, making learning exciting, memorable and full of exploration.

Confidence drives lifelong learning

Our students trust in their abilities, build confidence and lead their way forward. This mindset helps them believe they can learn and achieve anything, fostering a love for lifelong learning.

The power of 'Good Struggles'

We believe great learning happens just beyond the comfort zone. That’s why we create purposeful challenges, or 'good struggles', that help students stay motivated while they grow. Through these experiences, students build resilience, solve problems, and learn to keep going – even when it’s hard.

Teachers as co-pilots 

Learning here is a partnership. Teachers work alongside students as guides, helping them navigate choices, embrace good struggles, inspire those 'aha' Amazing Learning moments of self-discovery and grow in confidence.

Where learning comes first

Most schools talk about what they teach. We focus on how your child learns. Through the Learning.First™ approach, students reflect on their progress, explore new approaches and make decisions that drive their growth. 

Growing curious, confident minds

As part of International Schools Partnership, every child’s journey is enriched with proven learning experiences that forever spark curiosity and grow confidence.

  • Academic achievement

    Academic achievement

    Strong academic outcomes open pathways to leading universities and future opportunities worldwide.

  • Life competencies

    Life competencies

    Build the human skills needed to adapt, collaborate, and keep learning throughout life.

  • Multilingualism

    Multilingualism

    Develop fluency across languages, cultures, and global environments.

  • International opportunities

    International opportunities

    Take part in global experiences that broaden perspectives and build confidence.

  • Life and career pathways

    Life and career pathways

    Explore personalized university and career pathways shaped around individual ambitions.

Measuring the quality of learning

We measure the quality of learning through International Schools Partnership’s Learning Improvement Process - LIP. This framework helps teachers and leaders reflect on what works and adapt quickly to meet each learner’s needs, ensuring every student feels ready to embrace good struggles and succeed.

Informed by evidence gathered through this process, our learning spaces continually evolve to spark curiosity, foster resilience and prepare students with the skills they need to thrive - not just in school, but in life. Every improvement is guided by what drives real progress for learners.

Ms. Penate

We don't have to keep children behind because of their age — we go by potential. That's the beauty of Montessori. From the moment I first visited this school, I felt a respect for children that I had never seen elsewhere. I wanted to stay forever. And here I am, 44 years later.

Ms. Penate, Preschool Teacher

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Experience a joyful, individualized learning journey at Alexander Montessori School, where Learning.First™ meets an accredited Montessori education to nurture independence, curiosity, and confident growth.

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Accreditations