Montessori education has been around since 1907, but there are still some common misconceptions about what it is and what it isn’t. The answer to the question, “What is Montessori?” is not particularly straightforward. Here are our (brief) answers to some of the more common questions people ask.

“What is Montessori?”

Montessori (or the Montessori Method or Montessori Philosophy) is a child-centered educational approach. It is often associated with Early Childhood programs (ages 3 – 6), but is also popular in Infant / Toddler programs. Elementary, middle, and high school programs are available, but are less common.

“Who was Maria Montessori?”

The short answer? A woman ahead of her time! Dr. Maria Montessori was the first female doctor in Italy. She applied her scientific observation skills to develop the Montessori Method. She spent her whole adult life working with young children and used her years of study to develop materials and practices that served to enhance the learning process and respect a child’s natural development.

“Do the kids get to do whatever they want?”

Dr. Montessori observed that, when given the opportunity and right environment, children will select activities that foster concentration and independent learning. When a child makes a selection based on independent choice, he or she is more likely to fully engage with that material and therefore, more likely to learn whatever it is they are there to learn.

You know that feeling you get when you’re completely in your “zone”? Time flies by, you’re deep in concentration, and when you’re done with whatever it was you were doing, you feel good! That’s how work should feel. And that’s how children in a Montessori classroom feel after a solid morning work period: refreshed, accomplished, and proud.

“Where are the toys?”

Montessori classrooms don’t look like traditional preschool classrooms, it’s true. There is no dress-up corner or block corner and there are not trucks and dolls for the children to play with. The Montessori Philosophy extends to the materials in the classroom as well: real and functional take priority over pretend.

When you tour a Montessori school, try to do so during the morning work period (the Great Period) and look closely at what you see. You may not see children playing dress up or cars, but you’ll probably see them scrubbing a chair or table, watering the plants in the classroom, sewing with real needles, and painting at an easel (and then cleaning up their paint supplies). The classroom will be busy, but engaged. There will be children sitting at tables and on the floor, walking around, taking out work and putting it away. You might even catch a child doing yoga or sitting quietly in the Peace Corner or reading a book.

“Why are Montessori schools more expensive?”

Montessori schools tend to have higher tuition rates than traditional preschool programs, because the vast majority of Montessori schools are independently owned and operated. Each school is responsible for all of its own costs and there is no larger Montessori corporation working behind the scenes to cut expenses and offer the lowest rate in town.

Questions to Ask Yourself

There are so many factors to consider when choosing a school for your child. Call around and compare what different programs have to offer. Most importantly, take a tour! Visit the schools you’re considering and ask yourself:

• Are the children happy, engaged, and relaxed?

• Are the teachers helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable?

• Is the classroom warm and inviting?

• Does this feel like a good fit for my family?

If you can find a program that makes you say “yes” to all of the above, you’ve found a good one!

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 Education?” by the American Montessori Society