The basic idea of Montessori education is that unseen within every child is carried the person the child will become. In order to develop his/her physical and intellectual powers and personality to the fullest, the child must have freedom...a freedom, with limits, achieved through order, which leads eventually to self-discipline. The world of the child is full of sights and sounds, which at first appear chaotic. From this chaos, the child gradually learns to create order and distinguish among the impressions that assail his senses, slowly but surely gaining mastery of himself and his environment. Dr. Montessori recognized that very young children go through periods of sensitivity in particular areas during which they learn more easily than at any other time in their lives. She developed teaching materials, each designed to give the child a new life experience and develop a specific educational concept. These materials combined with other child-centered learning and play materials help the child achieve a balance in her life at school. Montessori Country Day School is an American Montessori Society Affiliated school, an important distinction with the name "Montessori" now part of the public domain. Even among Montessori schools we are exceptional with certified Montessori teachers in the classroom all day. This continuity of classroom goals and philosophy throughout the day offers the maximum support to the children as they learn and play.