Over the past four decades, Kathy Minardi has built a successful career as an educational leader at several independent schools across the country. Since 1999, Kathy Minardi has overseen hundreds of students and led administrative services in her position as head of school at Aidan Montessori School in Washington, DC.
Montessori schools offer a unique educational experience to children of all ages. Dr. Maria Montessori established the model in the early 1900s as a new way for children to facilitate their own education within a classroom setting. Today, over 3,000 independent schools utilize the Montessori teaching method worldwide.
Overall, Montessori schools differ from traditional schools in several ways. Montessori education focuses on allowing each student to work at his or her own pace, offering a number of learning opportunities to cultivate self-discipline, concentration, and leadership skills. Students can work alone or with their peers in subject areas ranging from mathematics to animal care.
Instead of designating grade levels, Montessori schools employ groupings that incorporate students in three-year age levels. This model allows older students to act as leaders and role models to their younger peers and cultivates a strong sense of classroom community.
Kathy Minardi 