What is the difference between Montessori and traditional education?
For children six and under, Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through
listening, watching, or reading. Children in Montessori classes learn at their own, individual pace and
according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities. They are not required to sit
and listen to a teacher talk to them as a group, but are engaged in individual or group activities of their
own, with materials that have been introduced to them 1:1 by the teacher who knows what each child is ready
to do. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline,
and a love of learning.
Why does Montessori have multi age classrooms?
Multi age classrooms afford us the luxury of adapting the curriculum to the individual child. Each child can
work at his or her own pace, while remaining in community with his or her peers. In addition, the multi-age
format allows all older children to be the leaders of the classroom community-even those children who may be
shy or quiet.
Is Montessori good for children with learning disabilities?
What about gifted children? Montessori is designed to help all children reach their fullest potential at
their own unique pace. A classroom whose children have varying abilities is a community in which everyone
learns from one another and everyone contributes. Moreover, multiage grouping allows each child to find his
or her own pace without feeling “ahead” or “behind” in relation to peers.
Are Montessori children successful later in life?
Research studies show that Montessori children are well prepared for later life academically, socially, and
emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori children are ranked above average
on such criteria as following directions, turning in work on time, listening attentively, using basic skills,
showing responsibility, asking provocative questions, showing enthusiasm for learning, and adapting to new
situations.
Are Montessori schools religious?
No. Montessori educates children without reference to religious denomination. As a result, our classrooms are
extremely diverse, with representation from all peoples, cultures and religions.
Is Montessori a franchise? Who can open a Montessori school?
The term Montessori is not trademarked and anyone, regardless of training, experience or affiliation can open
a “Montessori” school. It is essential that parents researching Montessori act as good consumers to ensure
the authenticity of their chosen program.
Who accredits Montessori schools?
Dr. Montessori founded the Association Montessori Internationale in 1929 to preserve her legacy. AMI ensures
that Montessori schools and teachers are both well-grounded in the basic principles of the method and ready
to carry those principles forward in the modern educational world. AMI offers teacher training and
conferences, approves the production of Montessori materials and books, and, through their AMI-USA branch
office, accredits schools.
Isn’t Montessori just a preschool?
Montessori schools may be best known for their programs with young children, but the underlying educational
method describes programs for students up through high school.
If children are free to choose their own work, how do you ensure that they receive a well rounded education?
Montessori children are free to choose within limits, and have only as much freedom as they can handle with
appropriate responsibility. The classroom teacher and assistant ensure that children do not interfere with
each other, and that each child is progressing at her appropriate pace in all subjects.
Montessori classrooms don’t look like regular classrooms. Where are the rows of desks? Where does the teacher
stand?
The different arrangement of a Montessori classroom mirrors the Montessori methods differences from
traditional education. Rather than putting the teacher at the focal point of the class, with children
dependent on her for information and activity, the classroom shows a literally child-centered approach.
Children work at tables or on floor mats where they can spread out their materials, and the teacher
circulates about the room, giving lessons or resolving issues as they arise.
Are Montessori schools as academically rigorous as traditional schools?
Yes; Montessori classrooms encourage deep learning of the concepts behind academic skills rather than rote
practice of abstract techniques. The success of our students appears in the experiences of our alumni, who
compete successfully with traditionally educated students in a variety of high schools and universities.
Since Montessori classrooms emphasize non-competitiveness, how are students adequately prepared for real-life
competition later on?
Montessori classrooms emphasize competition with oneself: self-monitoring, self-correction, and a variety of
other executive skills aimed at continuous improvement. Students typically become comfortable with their
strengths and learn how to address their weaknesses. In older classes, students commonly participate in
competitive activities with clear “winners” (auditions for limited opera roles, the annual spelling bee, etc.)
in which students give their best performances while simultaneously encouraging peers to do the same. It is a
healthy competition in which all contenders are content that they did their best in an environment with clear
and consistent rules.
Thank you to our friends at the Post Oak School and The Michael Olaf Company for permitting the use of these
frequently asked questions.
