Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was a physician and scientist who founded a method of education based on the developmental needs of children. She believed that as children mature, it is impossible to meet all their educational needs within the confines of the classroom.

Teachers at The Element embrace the Montessori principle of “the world as classroom”, as they help students acclimate to their culture by tying units of classroom study to real world experiences in the Ottawa community.

The Element High School programs remain authentic to the Montessori Pedagogy in our practices by:

– Maintaining a high standard of mutual understanding, compassion, and respect for all individuals in our community;

– Consistently providing students with opportunities for choice and freedom within their work;

– Providing students with opportunities to actively engage in our local community of Ottawa through purposeful work and study;

– Recognizing the developmental needs of the adolescent and offering opportunities that foster healthy development;

While many middle and high school students struggle to find relevance in a world of textbooks, homework and tests, students at The Element High School find their connection in real life experiences. The Element is an extension of parent campus, Ottawa Montessori School, a Montessori program with more than 50 year history in our capital city. However, prior Montessori experience is not required to attend The Element.