We recognize that the most valuable impulse toward learning is the self-motivation of the child. Through their natural tendencies for exploration, classification and discovery, children propel themselves toward greater learning. The teacher, or guide, prepares the environment, protects the individual so as to offer stimulation, excitement and direction when needed, but it is the children who learn to work and work to create themselves. The children are self-motivated; they work and completer their activities to their own satisfaction and level of perfection. The Montessori children are "free to learn" because they have developed an "inner discipline" from their exposure to the special nature of the classroom environment and the approach of the directing adults. One of the most important aspects of the environment that the children experience and learn about is one another. Through their daily interaction in this special setting, they develop a true sense of community and an understanding of the needs of each individual and how they are interrelated. They share a deep sense of care and concern of one another and learn how to solve their differences peaceably. They intuitively know that they are all linked, that they all have similar needs and feelings, and they act with mutual respect and responsibility.

The acquisition of these skills, the development of these patterns of learning, and the growth of self-confidence is an on-going process, which begins when the child enters a Montessori environment between the ages of two and three, and is not completed until the child is turning six. It is essential that the child remains in the Primary "prepared environment" for this entire period for them to reap the benefits the Montessori approach and environment has to offer. It is also of utmost importance that the parents work hand-in-hand with the school, learning about the Montessori approach and implementing it in the home.

This is the essence of Dr Montessori's educational philosophy. Patterns of inner direction and concentration, exploration and discovery, and the joy of self-satisfaction from the completion of an interesting task are created as the foundation upon which the child can build. These stay with the children as they go on the higher learning and set a positive attitude toward the self. Thus the children are confident in their ability to acquire knowledge, solve problems, and cope with new information and experiences.