Our Montessori-Inspired Program
A Peaceful, Child-Centered Approach to Learning
At Norwood Academy, our curriculum is inspired by the Montessori philosophy — one of the most respected and researched approaches to early childhood education in the world. We adapt its core principles to create a learning environment that is calm, purposeful, and deeply responsive to each child's individual needs.
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What is Montessori?
The Montessori method was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over a century ago and has since been embraced by educators and parents worldwide. At its heart, it's built on a simple idea: children learn best when they are free to explore.
Rather than following a rigid, teacher-led curriculum, the Montessori approach places the child at the center of learning. Children choose their activities, work at their own pace, and develop independence and intrinsic motivation from an early age.
Our Curriculum Covers Five Key Areas
- 1. Practical Life Activities that build independence, coordination, and concentration — from pouring and buttoning to caring for the classroom environment.
- 2. Language Phonics, vocabulary, storytelling, and early writing, developing a love of communication and reading from the very beginning.
- 3. Mathematics Hands-on materials that make abstract number concepts concrete and intuitive — laying a strong foundation for future academic success.
- 4. Sensorial Activities that develop and refine the five senses, helping children classify and understand the world around them.
- 5. Culture & Geography Science, nature, geography, and the arts — nurturing a child's natural curiosity about the world and their place in it.

Montessori At Norwood Academy
Our educators have been trained in the Montessori method and are passionate about bringing its principles to life every day. We supplement the core curriculum with nature walks, educational trips, and enrichment programs — because we believe learning happens everywhere, not just in the classroom.
We also use Study Island, an online learning platform for children aged 5–12, providing additional practice in math, science, and English.
Norwood Academy's Montessori-inspired approach is backed by the same philosophy and team that has made Collingdale Academy a trusted name in Delaware County early education for years.
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