What Is a Montessori Education?

Montessori schools are alternative education centers that focus on helping your child grow mentally, physically, and emotionally so they can reach their fullest potential. Montessori school students are given the chance to learn through hands-on activities and self-directed activities to foster a joy of learning that will follow them through the remainder of their lives. These students are generally placed in small mixed-aged class environments so they can learn collaboration with others in a setting that more closely reflects the greater world.

Montessori Curriculum

The typical curriculum in a Montessori school addresses the following educational aspects:

Practical Life Exercises
Sensorial
Mathematics
Science
Geography
Language and Reading
Music
Arts and Crafts

Though many of these subjects are the same as those taught in traditional educational facilities, Montessori education differs in the way these subjects are introduced to students. Specifically, Montessori education imposes fewer time limits on students’ learning so they can engage with topics at their own pace. The unrestricted learning time allowed in these classrooms means that students can discover and find genuine interest in each subject without the looming pressure of cutoff points weighing on them.

Guiding Principles of Montessori Education

Montessori Education is upheld by 5 Core Components

1. Educators Trained in Montessori Teaching: Montessori school teachers are specifically trained to encourage learning in ways that align with Montessori principles.

2. Multi-Age Classroom: Children across a three-year age span work together in the same classroom. This allows them to foster mentorship and leadership skills from an early age.

3. Use Montessori Materials: Montessori schools use specialized materials that are intended to promote hands-on learning.

4. Child-Directed Work: Students are encouraged to engage in self-directed work so they can develop intrinsic motivation and develop their attention spans.

5. Uninterrupted Work Periods: Students have extended ”free choice” study time that is not restricted by a bell or cutoff period so they can work at their own pace and dive into learning.