Compare Montessori Education

Research has shown that the best predictor of future success is a positive sense of self-esteem.  Montessori programs, based on self-directed, noncompetitive activities, help children develop strong self-images and confidence to face challenges and change with optimism.

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, forming communities in which the older children spontaneously share their knowledge with the younger ones. Montessori represents an entirely different approach to education. A convenient comparison chart for the Montessori approach versus traditional education is available below.

Montessori Environment

  • Prepared kinesthetic materials with incorporated control of error, specially developed reference materials
  • Working and learning matched to the social development of the child
  • Unified, internationally developed curriculum
  • Integrated subjects and learning based on developmental psychology
  • Uninterrupted work cycles
  • Multi-age classrooms
  • Students active, talking, with periods of spontaneous quiet, freedom to move
  • School meets needs of students
  • Special help comes to students
  • Process-focused assessment, skills checklists, mastery benchmarks

Traditional Classroom

  • Textbooks, pencil and paper, worksheets and dittos	
  • Working and learning without emphasis on social development
  • Narrow, unit-driven curriculum
  • Individual subjects
  • Block time, period lessons
  • Single-graded classrooms
  • Students passive, quiet, in desk
  • Students fit mold of school
  • Students leave for special help
  • Product-focused report cards