Cedar Valley Montessori School was founded on the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori, physician and educator. She advocated the theory that children develop according to natural law and that they have special periods of sensitivity to aid them in the development of life. She urged that these sensitive periods be utilized to their fullest by giving the children the opportunity to develop their capabilities within a prepared environment. She warned that no amount of good teaching would help the child if given at the wrong time. Every period of development prepares them for the next and if children are properly prepared in one period, they are more able to fully develop their capabilities in later periods.