When was the first Montessori school opened?
The first Montessori school, the Casa dei Bambini, opened on 6 January 1907 in San Lorenzo, Rome. Maria Montessori was asked to care for young children of families living in a new housing block, and used the space to develop and test her materials and ideas.
What this means in practice
Within a few years, Montessori schools opened elsewhere in Italy, Switzerland, the USA, the UK and India.
Spread of the method
- 1907: first Casa dei Bambini, Rome
- 1909: first international training course
- 1910s: schools in the USA and Europe
- 1929: AMI founded
- 1939 onwards: training in India
Why the date matters
It marks the shift from Montessori's work with children with disabilities to an approach for all children.
Practical next steps
- Note the date and place.
- Read about San Lorenzo.
- Follow the method's spread.
- Connect history to practice.
ExampleIn an exam answer, Ruth writes: 'The first Casa dei Bambini opened in Rome on 6 January 1907.' Precise dates earn marks.
What to keep in mind
Some websites give 1906; 6 January 1907 is the standard date.
Common follow-up questions
Who founded it?
Maria Montessori.
What age were the children?
Mostly 3–6.
Sources
Examples are educational illustrations with made-up names. How these answers are prepared.