There are many factors to consider when selecting a program for your child. If you’re thinking about enrolling your child in a Montessori program, you might have some questions. Many parents want to understand the difference between Montessori and “regular” preschool. If you understand the differences, you can find a program that is the right fit for your child.

The Difference Between Montessori and Preschool #1: Child-directed vs. Teacher-directed

A common misconception about Montessori is that the children “get to do whatever they want” with no structure or boundaries. Nothing could be further from the truth, but it might look that way, if you are familiar with a more traditional school model that places the emphasis on the role of the teacher.

In a traditional preschool, the teacher is the central figure in the classroom. She guides the children through various stations and through the schedule of the day. She makes sure that everyone participates in different activities and ensures that the children meet the guidelines set by the school or determined by the curriculum.

In a Montessori classroom the teacher follows the lead of the child. Children learn at their own pace and follow their own interests. This means that children are free to make choices about how they spend their time, but not without some boundaries set by the teacher. The role of the teacher in a Montessori classroom is multifold:

1. Prepare the classroom environment to appeal to each child’s innate curiosity.
2. Observe each child and determines which lessons would be a timely fit — one that appeals to their interests and teaches a new concept or reinforces a learned concept.
3. Invites a child to a lesson, shows him how to use the materials independently.
4. That child is then free to select that material again on his own.

In a traditional preschool classroom, the teacher is the leader of the pack. In a Montessori classroom, she is the guide.

The Difference Between Montessori and Preschool #2: Work vs. Play

Traditional preschools are generally play-based. Children spend much of their day playing with toys and in familiar settings. A typical preschool classroom has “centers” designated for different types of play or skills. There’ll be a dress-up area for social and imaginative play and a block area for building. Children will have time during their day to choose different activities, but much of the schedule is pre-determined. Children rotate through centers and take part in group activities, like story time or art.

In a Montessori classroom, we call the materials on the shelf “work,” not “toys.” Once a child receives a lesson from the teacher on how to use a work, they are free to select that material at any point throughout the morning or afternoon work period. At any given moment in a Montessori classroom you can observe children engaged in math, language, art, and geography studies. Because they have chosen the work themselves, they are invested in it. They are excited about it and they’re learning something!

Maria Montessori believed, through observation and years of working with children, that children were like little sponges: capable of soaking up incredible amounts of knowledge when given the right environment. She designed her materials and precise techniques to maximize a child’s desire to learn. Children love to learn and do challenging things — it is fun for them and feels a lot like play!

The Difference Between Montessori and Preschool #3: The Classroom Environment

A traditional preschool classroom is full of colorful toys, brightly colored posters and wall decorations, colorful rugs, tables, and chairs. The shelves hold toys, games, and other familiar items. A child has access to blocks, dolls, cars, puzzles, etc. For a play-based center, you can expect to find lots of color!

A Montessori classroom will look a little different. There will be more muted tones and less visual stimulation. Any wall art or decorations are lower on the wall, to be at the children’s eye level, and all furnishings will be child-sized. The classroom might be busy and active, but it should also feel calm and peaceful.

There are five Montessori curriculum areas and you’ll see a shelf or two for each. There might be a reading corner or a peace corner, and there should be a variety of seating options and work spaces available. Children spend their morning moving through the classroom at their own pace, selecting work that appeals to them, receiving lessons from the teachers, and having fun with their friends. At the end of the morning, the class gathers for circle time and prepares for the next part of their day.

Choosing Between the Two

Knowing some of the key differences between Montessori programs and traditional preschool programs is the first step. Once you get a feel for the different options in your area, ask around! Recommendations from friends and online reviews can help you get a sense of which programs are a better fit for your family.

Once you’ve narrowed it down, take a tour. Websites can only do so much. To get a better feel for a school you have to visit. Ideally, a tour will take place during a typical school day and you’ll get a sense of how your child will spend her day.

Take your child’s needs into consideration. Will a bright, colorful, noisy classroom overwhelm your sensitive child? What about your high energy child? How does the program take into consideration different needs and personalities? There are no wrong questions, so be sure to ask as many as it takes to get the answers you need.

This article was originally published on the Children’s House Montessori School of Reston blog.

Additional Resources:

• Why Are Montessori Schools Mixed-Age?
• What is Montessori? And Other Questions
• “What is Montessori Education?” by the American Montessori Society