Whole Hearts, Whole Minds: Holistic Education Benefits at Forbes Academy

At Forbes Academy, we believe that every child deserves an education that sees all of them; their strengths, their sensitivities, their spark. That’s why we don’t separate academics from emotional growth, creativity from connection, or inclusion from innovation. We’re a Montessori school that’s deeply rooted in the holistic development of the whole child and built on the belief that when education honors individuality, everyone rises.

What is Holistic Education, Anyway?

In our classrooms, holistic education means we guide children toward growth in every dimension; cognitive, emotional, social, physical, creative, and ethical. Each day is carefully designed to meet students where they are and help them move forward joyfully.

Here’s what that looks like in action:

• Intellectual Growth: Through Montessori materials and self-paced exploration, children strengthen focus, problem-solving, and intrinsic motivation.

• Emotional Intelligence: Grace and courtesy lessons, peace corners, and reflection time help students learn how to navigate their inner world.

• Social Connection: Mixed-age classrooms and collaborative work encourage cooperation, empathy, and community building.

• Physical Awareness: Movement is woven into the day, from purposeful work to outdoor play, promoting balance and well-being.

• Creative Expression: We embrace the arts as essential, not extra, because imagination fuels innovation.

• Spiritual & Ethical Development: Children are invited to wonder, ask big questions, and build a sense of purpose and responsibility.

When we approach education this way, students don’t just “do school.” They become active participants in their learning and in life.

“The first essential for the child’s development is concentration. The child who concentrates is immensely happy. The Montessori materials serve this end. They are like keys that unlock the world and allow the child to explore it independently.”  — Dr. Maria Montessori

Holistic Education + Inclusive Education = A Better Future for All

We believe inclusion isn’t just about who is in the room, it’s about how we build the room. At Forbes Academy, holistic development allows us to meet the needs of all children, including those who might be overlooked in more traditional settings. That’s the bridge we’re building, one where giftedness, neurodiversity, and different lived experiences aren’t barriers but building blocks.

By focusing on the whole child, we close gaps (academic, social, emotional) before they widen. We’re creating space for every learner to find success their way, not the way.

"Education is not something which the teacher does, but is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being."  — Dr. Maria Montessori

Why Holistic Education Matters

In a world that often rushes kids to conform, we slow down and listen. We create space for children to be curious, to struggle safely, to lead with empathy, and to develop resilience that lasts a lifetime.

We do this because the stakes are too high not to.

Because too many children are left behind by systems that weren’t designed for their minds or their hearts.

Because inclusion isn’t just a policy, it’s a daily practice of seeing and celebrating every child for who they are right now.

And because we believe - deeply - that education should never be one-size-fits-all.

At Forbes Academy, we’re creating a new standard: where the classroom reflects the community, where holistic development is the norm, and where children leave school not just smarter… but more whole.

"The things he sees are not just remembered; they form a part of his soul."  — Maria Montessori

A Day at Forbes Looks Like This…

It’s morning, and a Primary student is greeting her friend in Spanish as they roll out work rugs. In the Toddler classroom, a two-year-old is proudly pouring water from one pitcher to another with deep focus, mastering coordination and confidence. Meanwhile, an Elementary student is outside journaling about the changing leaves after a group science walk, making connections between nature and their own inner seasons.

Across all levels, children are supported by Guides who see their strengths and help stretch their growth, not just academically, but socially, emotionally, and creatively. There's freedom within structure, quiet moments of mindfulness, bursts of laughter, and the comforting rhythm of a space designed to honor the whole child.