The Montessori School of Shanghai (MSS) has been a beacon of education for almost 20 years in the city.Since the founding of the first Montessori School of Shanghai in 2004, we have held a dream of establishing a school with a unique style where we can offer children numerous opportunities to cultivate their independent characteristics and a passion for self-directed learning. The Montessori education method is the path to realizing this dream.

As a mecca of education for children, we believe that each child is unique, and we understand and appreciate their different stages of development. With patience as our guide, we ignite their interests and inspire their one-of-a-kind talents.We believe that both children and parents can benefit from Montessori education and help each other grow together.

SMG’s Exclusive Interview with Jasmine Dong, Head of MSS Xuhui Campus

This June, SMG’s enchanting program “News Classmate – Education Leaders” on Haha Xuandong TV featured an enthralling interview with none other than Jasmine Dong, the visionary Head of MSS Xuhui Campus. A deep and engaging dialogue ensued, where Jasmine shed light on the development of MSS Xuhui Campus and the core tenets of Montessori education. Furthermore, she unveiled the remarkable qualities and advantages of children who blossom in the nurturing embrace of MSS’s Montessori environment.

Here are some intriguing topics to pique your interest:

– The Evolution of MSS and the Current State of Xuhui Campus

– Unraveling the Essence: Core Features of MSS Montessori Education

– Thriving Together: The Enchanting Mixed-Age Environment

– From Theory to Practice: Integrating Montessori philosophies into Real-Classroom Settings

– The Montessori Graduate: Illuminating the Most Prominent Traits

Essential Takeaways:

A Tapestry of Multiculturalism

MSS has a history of nearly 20 years in Shanghai. The Xuhui Campus was established in 2007, making it 16 years old now. Currently, we have a total of seven classes, including two toddler classes and five mixed-age classes. Located at No. 21 East Lake Road in Xuhui District, the school enjoys a serene environment in the heart of the city, making it a preferred choice for upscale communities and families in the vicinity. We welcome families from all over the world, both Chinese and foreign, and our school’s distinctiveness lies in Montessori education. As a globally recognized approach to education, many expatriate families, especially executives, prefer our school when they come to Shanghai.

MSS stands tall as a multicultural haven, welcoming families from all corners of the world. Within this vibrant tapestry, foreign and local families interweave with foreign teachers, fostering an environment of mutual acceptance and understanding. This delightful tapestry not only enriches the children’s language skills but also lays the foundation for their linguistic prowess, as the sensitive period of language development from 0 to 6 years finds solace in a diverse linguistic sanctuary, and being exposed to a diverse linguistic environment naturally facilitates their language acquisition process. MSS provides a bilingual immersive environment round the clock, stimulating brain development and language abilities, laying a solid foundation for their future language development.

Embracing the Harmony of Mixed-Age Class

Montessori education implements a mixed-age classroom setting. We have the Toddler Class for children aged 1.5 to 3, and the Early EC Class for children aged 3 to 6. The mixed-age environment is a reflection of real-life society, where adults interact with individuals of various age groups. Similarly, children benefit from such an environment, as it not only addresses their developmental needs but also fosters social and communication skills, as well as team collaboration.

For instance, in a mixed-age class, children get to “change roles” over time. Initially, a child might be the younger one, but as they grow, they become the older brothers or sisters. This interactive process allows them to learn valuable social skills. The role-changing experience gives children both support and responsibility, fostering a sense of fairness among peers.

The Magical Toolbox of Montessori Materials

At the heart of Montessori education lies a treasure trove of meticulously designed materials. These tangible, hands-on materials breathe life into abstract concepts, fostering an innate understanding and mastery of ideas in the children’s minds.

Encouraged to follow their interests, children discover these captivating aids, transcending the realms of imagination and cognitive development. These acquired understandings are practical and applicable concepts in daily life, such as lightness, heaviness, size, length, and mathematical concepts like “quantity.” This concrete approach helps them form clear cognitions and concepts.

With unwavering dedication to the true essence of Montessori education, MSS walks hand in hand with families who share this unwavering commitment. Nurturing each child’s uniqueness, providing opportunities for free choices, and respecting their individuality, MSS believes that true growth and lasting passion for learning can only be nurtured when each child blossoms into their true self.

The child is both a hope and promise for mankind.

——Maria Montessori