A century ago, Dr. Maria Montessori observed children and came to insightful and innovative conclusions about how they learn. Her observations have been corroborated by current brain research and supported by the millions of "Montessori" children who have retained their inherent love of learning. Montessori education is both a psychology of child development and a learning system for guiding this development. She designed a "prepared environment" that encourages optimal learning through exploration and provides a framework in which a child's self-esteem blossoms as he/she recognizes his/her own accomplishments through social and academic achievements.