Montessori Education was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman physician in Italy. Through research, observation, and training about how to develop tools based on what is developmentally appropriate, Dr. Montessori found that children thrive when guided through lessons purposed for independence, concentration, creativity, self-discovery, and critical thinking. We are proud to continue the Montessori tradition here in the District of Columbia.