why Mastro
SINCE 1968, MASTRO MONTESSORI HAS MADE A COMMITMENT TO NURTURE THE DEVELOPMENT OF EACH AND EVERY CHILD WITH PATIENCE, UNDERSTANDING AND LOVE.
We are a vibrant community that is enthusiastic and passionate about the Montessori method, providing a warm and nurturing environment to all of the children entrusted to our care. We understand that each child is a unique and wonderful person and it is our joy to help them learn and grow each and every day.
OUR vision
We are dedicated to creating a vibrant learning community where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, guided by the principles of AMI Montessori education and fueled by a deep commitment to respect, empathy, and compassion.
OUR mission
The Mission of the Academy is to create a respectful community that cultivates each child’s whole development in accordance with the standards of the Association Montessori Internationale. We Create a community for children that cultivates courtesy, acceptance, caring and compassion.
Enrichment programs
Foreign Language
Music
Gardening
Accreditation and Affiliation
Mastro Montessori Academy has a number of accreditations and affiliations with international, national and state associations.
Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)
Mastro Montessori Academy enjoys the highest recognition status granted by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), which was founded by Maria Montessori in 1929 to protect the integrity of her work. Montessori Academy is the only Montessori school in Monmouth County to receive AMI status. All of our Montessori teachers hold AMI credentials in addition to university degrees.
AMI School Standards
Our school upholds the rigorous standards set by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), the organization founded by Dr. Maria Montessori to preserve the integrity of her educational approach. These standards, developed by the AMI Scientific Pedagogy Group, ensure that every program we offer supports the full development of each child—intellectually, socially, physically, and emotionally—just as Dr. Montessori envisioned.
- One trained Guide and one assistant in each classroom
- Mixed Age Groups
- Uninterrupted Work Cycle
- One complete set of materials in each classroom
More specific information about these standards can be accessed here:Â Standards for AMI Montessori Classrooms
Other Affiliations
- American Montessori Society Member
- North American Montessori Teachers Association (NAMTA)
- National Association of Independent Schools
- New Jersey Department of Education Nonpublic School
Foreign Language
Our Foreign Language program immerses children in Spanish language learning from the toddler through elementary years. Utilizing Montessori methods, our staff integrate interactive, hands-on lessons seamlessly into the children’s work cycle. This approach ensures that language learning is tailored to each developmental stage. Students explore Spanish language and culture, fostering communication skills and global awareness in a natural and engaging way.
Music
Our Music program is designed to nurture creativity and self-expression through the universal language of music. In the Toddler and Primary environments, music exploration takes place using Montessori methods and materials. Elementary students delve deeper by exploring various musical instruments, practicing singing, and learning music history. Kindergarten and elementary students receive weekly piano and voice lessons and participate in group performances throughout the year, cultivating both individual talent and collaborative skills. They are also free to practice the piano during their work cycles as part of their work.
Gardening
Our Gardening program connects children with nature and teaches the fundamentals of sustainable living. Students have the opportunity to do seed germination, planting, weeding, composting, and all other aspects of gardening. They also refill bird feeders, do bird watching, make bird feeders, etc. Children of all ages participate in planting, cultivating, harvesting, and distributing a variety of plants and vegetables. With hydroponic and aeroponic growing systems at school, students can engage in year-round growing.
Additionally, our gardening program includes beekeeping activities. The children learn all about honeybees, participate in inspecting our hives, and harvest honey. This unique offering instills a deep respect for the environment and practical knowledge about ecology and sustainability. Seasonally, they participate in raising Monarch butterflies from caterpillars and then releasing them after they metamorphosize into butterflies.