How we learn
How we learn

Our learning approach

Balancing educational innovation with a truly individualized approach, Montessori Academy of Broward offers more than a strong academic foundation as it creates the conditions for each child to unlock their unique potential. Rooted in the century-old vision of Dr. Maria Montessori, learning is child-centered and developmentally tailored, guided by the belief that every child holds powerful potential that only they can fully realize.

 

Within thoughtfully prepared environments, students move with purpose, explore at their own pace, and build independence, curiosity, and confidence from Early Childhood through Middle School.

The Montessori method

Once considered an educational experiment, the Montessori method has become the blueprint for a new approach to learning - one that’s demonstrating long-term success. Each child reaches their fullest potential in all areas of life and grow up in a secure, loving, and joyful learning environment.

At our private school in Pembroke Pines, we strive towards these goals by utilizing several key points of Maria Montessori’s philosophy:

Natural spirituality

Children are inherently good and, when allowed to develop freely, they feel connected to everything and are naturally caring to each other and the world around them.

Natural spirituality

Sensitive periods

With an emphasis on building independence, learning is individualized, allowing children to progress at their own pace based on those sensitive periods when learning comes easy, according to Dr. Montessori's research.

Our Montessori-certified teachers are trained to identify these very creative periods, and when recognized, they introduce concepts to optimize learning giving children the freedom to follow their interests.

Sensitive periods

Freedom with responsibility

Students learn to manage freedom responsibly, develop independence and self-discipline, and acquire the skills to answer their questions through curiosity-driven, self-directed learning.

The aware adult, whether a parent or teacher, acts as an observer, protects the child’s right to learn, models desired behavior, prepares the environment, and also accommodates the needs of the child. In the classroom setting, the adult is neither simply the central authority nor “imparter of knowledge”.

Freedom with responsibility

Learning through the senses

At Montessori Academy of Broward in Pembroke Pines, children build on their physical experiences of the world through their senses. Carefully designed Montessori materials spark curiosity and encourage mastery with continuous practice that refines skills and learners advance at their own pace. Progression is structured yet flexible.

The classroom is intentionally designed to promote independence, with materials accessible for self-selected work, building confidence and responsibility in an environment tailored to their developmental needs.

Learning through the senses

Natural learners

Children are at their happiest when they are busily involved in a process. They are natural learners who want to constantly explore the world if left to follow their instincts.

Mixed-age classrooms until Lower School foster peer teaching, collaborative projects, and social responsibility, balancing freedom with natural consequences to build internal discipline.

Natural learners

The secret of good teaching is to regard the child’s intelligence as a fertile field in which seeds may be sown, to grow under the heat of flaming imagination.

Dr. Maria Montessori

Enrichment programs

  • 01

    Visual & performing arts

    MAB immerses students in a vibrant arts program that both nurtures creativity and challenges them to refine their unique talents. Through dance styles like flamenco, tap, jazz, salsa, and ballet, as well as violin, students grow in focus, discipline, and self‑confidence, fueling intellectual growth and setting a standard of excellence that carries into every area of life.

  • 02

    STEM

    Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are integrated into hands-on, project-based learning that helps students see real connections between disciplines. Through experiments, class discussions, and collaborative projects, children practice applying knowledge, thinking critically, and solving problems in creative ways. The ultimate goal is to prepare them to function and thrive in a highly technological age.

  • 03

    Spanish

    Children build practical Spanish communication skills and vocabulary using storytelling, rhymes, songs, and interactive games. They learn to introduce themselves and describe their daily lives and surroundings. Each week, they practice conversation, narration, and description in a fun, supportive environment that encourages confidence, clear expression.

  • 04

    Physical education

    PE introduces students to a wide range of sports and activities while building a strong foundation in skills, games, health, and fitness. Through careful coaching from specialist teachers, learners learn key movement techniques and game strategies, gaining confidence in both competitive and cooperative settings.

  • 05

    Life skills

    As one of the best private schools in Florida, Life Skills class at MAB is designed to provide students with a safe space to reflect and discuss important topics such as happiness, self-worth, empathy, and self-growth, and other social-emotional skills.

Portrait of a graduate

Our graduates confidently become productive citizens of a global community and successful in the workforce of the future. A MAB graduate is:

Skills for life

Students gain life competencies that support strong academic progress and prepare them to be successful now and throughout their lifetime.

Developed with the University of Cambridge through Camtree, ISP’s Life Competencies framework ensures these skills are deliberately developed across each student’s journey.

Cognitive

Thinking deeply, questioning and problem-solving: "I lead my learning by solving problems, communicating confidently, and managing my time effectively."

Critical thinking

Making sense of information, solving problems, and making smart decisions

Creativity

Generating new ideas, exploring different perspectives and innovating 

Curiosity

Asking "why?" and "what if?" to deepen understanding and spark new ideas

Global

Understanding the world and taking action:  "I am curious about different cultures and take action for a better world."

Citizenship

Recognising one's role in the global community

Action

Taking meaningful steps to support social causes 

Understanding

Respecting different perspectives and ways of life

Self-leadership

Managing self, goals and growth:  "I know how I learn best, set goals and stay motivated to improve."

Confidence

Believing in self and tackling challenges with a positive mindset

Learning to Learn

Understanding how to improve learning strategies

Wellbeing

Balancing mental, emotional and physical health

Interpersonal

Working together and building strong relationships: "I collaborate, communicate and build meaningful relationships with others."

Collaboration

Working effectively as a team to achieve shared goals

Communication

Expressing ideas clearly and listening to others

Social-Emotional

Understanding emotions and managing them effectively

Digital

Using technology safely and creatively: "I use digital tools responsibly to communicate, create and innovate."

Digital Literacy

Using technology effectively and safely

Responsibility

Respecting others and making ethical choices online

Innovation

Using technology to develop ideas and improve solutions

Cognitive Global Self-leadership Interpersonal Digital

Uniquely for ISP schools developed in collaboration with

Camtree
Hughes Hall
Defi

Where learning comes first

Most schools talk about what they teach. We focus on how your child learns. Through the Learning.First™ approach, students reflect on their progress, explore new approaches and make decisions that drive their growth. 

Curiosity fuels our learning Confidence drives lifelong learning The power of 'Good Struggles' Teachers as co-pilots 

Curiosity fuels our learning

The best learning happens when students are actively engaged. We ignite curiosity through hands-on projects and inquiry-based learning, making learning exciting, memorable and full of exploration.

Confidence drives lifelong learning

Our students trust in their abilities, build confidence and lead their way forward. This mindset helps them believe they can learn and achieve anything, fostering a love for lifelong learning.

The power of 'Good Struggles'

We believe great learning happens just beyond the comfort zone. That’s why we create purposeful challenges, or 'good struggles', that help students stay motivated while they grow. Through these experiences, students build resilience, solve problems, and learn to keep going – even when it’s hard.

Teachers as co-pilots 

Learning here is a partnership. Teachers work alongside students as guides, helping them navigate choices, embrace good struggles, inspire those 'aha' Amazing Learning moments of self-discovery and grow in confidence.

Where learning comes first

Most schools talk about what they teach. We focus on how your child learns. Through the Learning.First™ approach, students reflect on their progress, explore new approaches and make decisions that drive their growth. 

Growing curious, confident minds

Our learning pillars enhance every student's experience - providing structure, opportunity and the support they need to grow.  As part of International Schools Partnership, our students benefit from a global network committed to the highest standards of learning.

  • Academic achievement

    Academic achievement

    Enjoy personalized learning that continuously enhances knowledge, skills and understanding.

  • Life competencies

    Life competencies

    Gain life skills to thrive in academics, as well as careers and personal lives.

  • Multilingualism

    Multilingualism

    Develop proficiency in multiple world languages, while being supported in home or first languages.

  • International opportunities

    International opportunities

    Try global skill-building programs and activities that develop critical thinking, teamwork and leadership.

  • Life and career pathways

    Life and career pathways

    Benefit from personalized guidance for university and career choices, supporting your chosen path.  

Measuring the quality of learning

We measure the quality of learning through International Schools Partnership’s Learning Improvement Process - LIP. This framework helps teachers and leaders reflect on what works and adapt quickly to meet each learner’s needs, ensuring every student feels ready to embrace good struggles and succeed.

Informed by evidence gathered through this process, our learning spaces continually evolve to spark curiosity, foster resilience and prepare students with the skills they need to thrive - not just in school, but in life. Every improvement is guided by what drives real progress for learners.

Hernando Ardila Sr.

We could not be happier with the decision we made to keep our son at Montessori Academy and the investment we made in his education. He was challenged throughout the curriculum and received all the support he needed to graduate with a high academic standing and a deep sense of humanity.

Hernando Ardila Sr., Parent

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Get ready to become a future leader at Montessori Academy of Broward, empowered by the Montessori and ISP's Learning.First™ methods.

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