Frequently Asked Questions About Montessori

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General Questions

What is Montessori?

Montessori is based on the philosophy that a child learns best within a social environment which supports each individual's unique development.

How did Montessori Schools get started?

Montessori education was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman in Italy to become a physician. She based her educational methods on her scientific observation of how children appear to learn. She quickly realized that children teach themselves and she designed her "Prepared Environment" in which children could freely choose from a number of developmentally appropriate activities. Now, a century after Maria Montessori's first Casa dei Bambini ("Children's House") was created in Rome, Montessori education is found all over the world.

How is Montessori different from traditional education?

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.

Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning. Montessori classes place children in three-year age groups which form communities of children where an older child happily shares a newly polished skill with a younger child who has just begun to learn that particular skill.

What Makes It Unique?

The "Whole Child" Approach: The primary goal of a Montessori program is to help each child reach his/her full potential in all areas of life. Each activity promotes cognitive and social skills, emotional growth and physical coordination. The curriculum allows the child to experience the joy of learning, gives the child time to enjoy the process of learning and develops self-esteem.

The "Prepared Environment": The room, materials, and social climate is completely supportive of the child. The teacher provides the necessary resources, including opportunities for the child to function in a safe and positive climate, which leads the child to try new things while building his or her self confidence.

Is Montessori good for all children?

Montessori is designed to help all children reach their fullest potential at their own pace. Children with varying abilities create a community where they can learn from one another because the multiage grouping allows each child to find his or her own pace without feeling "ahead" or "behind" in relation to their peers.

At what age do children attend Montessori?

Children generally begin the Montessori program at age 3. However, there are many infant/toddler programs (ages 2 months to 3 years), elementary (ages 6-12), adolescent (ages 12-15) and even a few Montessori high school programs.

Are Montessori children successful later in life?

Research studies show that Montessori children are well prepared for later life academically, socially, and emotionally. These children tend to score higher on standardized tests. There children also known to better follow directions, tend to get their work done on time, listen more attentively, love learning and more easily adapt to changing situations.