Over the last 30 years, many Fort Worth parents have sought out a Montessori education as the learning foundation for their children.  Joy Sheffield and LaVerne Davis were the Montessori pioneers of Fort Worth.  Their school, Montessori Children’s House, on Clayton Road West, just off Camp Bowie, was the first Montessori school in Fort Worth and has left a legacy that is now spanning four generations.  Children of former Montessori students want the same learning development they experienced for their children. Montessori schools in the Fort Worth community have specialized in serving their students based on geographic location, parents' work schedules and the needs of working parents.  Local Montessori programs available include a program within the Fort Worth ISD. Dr. Maria Montessori began her career as an educator of children in Rome in 1907. Her method has become famous for the learning skills it develops in children at an early age and for the continued achievement these students attain over their years of education. Children are presented a very special environment focused on providing each individual child with a unique environment to maximize that child’s learning. Most importantly, the Montessori classroom is adapted for children not adults. Montessori believed that children learn best in a structured environment which allows freedom of choice and movement. This environment has a wide range of learning materials and activities that are specially designed for all areas of a child's development. Everything within the Montessori classroom has a specific use and purpose. Children in Montessori classrooms are treated as individuals and allowed to progress at their individual pace.  Through her observations, Montessori discovered that children have an almost effortless ability to learn for themselves. The unique self-correcting material of the Montessori classroom allows the child to work at an individual pace while discovering for themselves. The various pieces of Montessori equipment allow each child to learn naturally while being gently guided by trained teachers in the Montessori method. The children’s classroom activities are referred to as their work.  After achieving proficiency at a specific level, the child is allowed to progress to the next level of each learning process.  Children are also taught to respect each other’s work and to get permission before joining in an activity.