What Can You Expect From a Montessori Education?

The United States is home to about 5,000 Montessori schools. Around 90% are private institutions, while the remaining 500 are public.

Interestingly, Montessori education first started in Italy in the early 1900s. Dr. Maria Montessori, Italy’s first female physician, created it.

So what exactly is it, and what can you expect from this learning method?

Keep reading to find out and determine if your child would do well in a Montessori school. 

What Is Montessori Education?

It’s a learning method focused on hands-on learning and self-directed activities. In Montessori classrooms, students make creative choices based on their preferences. While highly trained teachers are there, their primary role is to support and guide the kids.

What Can You Expect?

One of the first things you can expect is that it differs from standard types of education.

For example, Montessori classrooms have students of significantly varying ages. They group kids based on the education method’s “planes of development.” This often includes groups of kids 18 months to 2.5 years, 2 to 6 years old, 6 to 9 years old, and 9 to 12 years old.

In standard classrooms, students are usually the same age. Some may be a few months older than their classmates but not an entire or over a year apart.

Montessori learners are also free to move around their learning environments. They can explore the many materials provided for hands-on learning. By contrast, students in traditional schools follow a structured and scheduled curriculum.

Montessori learners can choose and stick to whichever activity they want. They can then rely on their teachers when problems or questions arise.

Teachers encourage students to make creative choices. Still, they ensure learners have access to age-appropriate activities and learning materials. They also watch over the kids in the background, letting them learn independently.

Benefits of Montessori Education

Montessori education recognizes that not all kids learn in the same way and at the same pace. Thus, it focuses more on accommodating each student’s learning pace. There’s no hurry here; learners have all the time they need.

That’s a chief advantage to traditional education that strictly follows a schedule. It doesn’t wait for children who need more time to learn than their peers. Experts say these students account for about 15% to 17% of the average school population.

Another benefit is that Montessori education provides an individualized learning plan.

Once Montessori learners show their readiness to advance, that’s the only time they do. Their teachers then create an education program tailored to each student’s capabilities. To learn about the subjects taught, start by reading Montessori curriculum found here.

Consider Montessori Education For Your Child

Please remember that not all children learn the same way and at the same pace as their peers. Forcing them to keep up with their classmates in a typical classroom can do more harm than good.

So, consider Montessori education if you think learning at their own pace is best for your kids.

Ready for more guides like this? Then you’d love our post about the factors to consider when choosing a school for your kids!