The prevalence of Montessori schools and their meaning

Few instructors have had the long-term influence of Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator who launched her inaugural classroom in Rome back in 1907. Her distinct teaching philosophy was formulated from her scientific observations of children’s innate learning processes, ultimately leading to the genesis of the Montessori method of education, as elucidated by Munir Shivji, an educator in the Montessori system and the executive director of the American Montessori Society. 

According to Shivji, the method gained traction in the United States after an education trailblazer in the 1950s, named Nancy Rambusch, who became disenchanted with the American education system, stumbled upon Maria Montessori and heralded the introduction of this teaching approach in the country. 

The teaching approach soared in popularity over subsequent decades but experienced a surge with the rise of social media as numerous parents publicly lauded its efficacy in their children. Currently, there exist over 3,000 Montessori schools across the U.S., with nearly 600 being public school programs, as per the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS). Globally, it is present in more than 15,000 schools.

“Montessori stands as the most prevalent and widespread alternative educational system worldwide,” notes Angeline Lillard, a psychology professor at the University of Virginia and the head of the Montessori science program at the institution. 

What distinguishes a Montessori school? 

A Montessori School operates as a public or private educational institution where the Montessori education methodology is implemented. This educational framework underscores tactile learning “through specially crafted materials that aid children in acquiring concepts through direct engagement,” as articulated by Shivji.

The focal point of the Montessori approach is a child-centered developmental strategy in education, presents Sara Suchman, a Montessori educator and the executive director of NCMPS. “Dr. Montessori noted that, under the right conditions and with the appropriate materials, children elect to learn, with coercion or external incentives being unnecessary and potentially hindering the development of independent learners,” she expounds. 

Key Montessori educational tools comprise sensory items like sandpaper letters and map puzzles, in addition to construction shapes like cylinders, cubes, rods, and prisms designed to master specific skills and techniques. Montessori educators also utilize distinctive aids to impart scientific and mathematical notions to children. 

In a Montessori school setting, children are urged to explore their interests and learn at their own pace. “This fosters great autonomy, nurtures problem-solving abilities, fosters curiosity, boosts self-assurance, and aids children in honing their social skills as they often collaborate,” articulates Rachel Supalla, a certified Montessori educator and the director of numerous Discovery KidZone Montessori Learning Centers spanning Montana and Utah. 

While the unconventional learning style may initially surprise some parents, “research demonstrates that Montessori students frequently perform equivalently or surpass their peers from traditional schools on standardized evaluations,” underscores Shivji.  

Indeed, a recent meta-analysis – where Lillard acted as a co-author – scrutinized 32 studies and concluded that Montessori education notably enhances academic and non-academic outcomes.

“Its emphasis extends across the whole child – encompassing social, emotional, and cognitive development – rather than merely focusing on test performance,” asserts Lillard. “This facilitates the growth of independent yet collaborative, socially aware, proficient adults who possess self-awareness and are equipped to lead meaningful, purposeful lives.”

How does a Montessori school diverge from a conventional school?

Montessori education boasts several unique aspects. Firstly, Montessori educators function as guides or facilitators rather than traditional instructors, “monitoring and aiding the individual learning journey of each child,” as articulated by Shivji.  

Another distinguishing feature is that children across various age groups, such as 3-6-year-olds, coexist in the same classroom, granting children opportunities to learn from and teach one another. In fact, a pivotal tenet of the Montessori methodology is each child demonstrating mastery of a concept or skill “by mentoring it to one of their peers until the peer comprehends it as well,” as per Supalla.

In Montessori institutions, children freely select from an array of activities or materials depending on their current needs, as opposed to being assigned identical tasks. “No one presents them with these things – they discover them on their own,” elucidates Lillard. 

Shivji accentuates an emphasis on the practical application of acquired knowledge and stresses that children educated through the Montessori system are encouraged to participate in and contribute meaningfully to their communities. “We also instill values of courtesy, good manners, and respect,” adds Supalla. “You can always spot Montessori-trained students even in different classroom environments because they are the ones who clean up a space without being prompted or assist another student with an unfamiliar problem.”

Are there any drawbacks to Montessori education?

While the acclaimed teaching methodology yields numerous benefits, it is not without its downsides. One issue is the absence of trademarking the Montessori name, allowing any educator to claim they are employing Montessori techniques even if they do not adhere to the specific curriculum or use endorsed materials. 

Accessibility poses another significant challenge, both in terms of cost and the limited availability of schools and Montessori-trained educators. “Historically, Montessori has mainly been accessible to families paying tuition fees,” notes Suchman. However, she acknowledges a shifting landscape where families can explore both public and private Montessori institutions through the NCMPS’s Montessori Census.

While private schools typically mandate an admission application, public schools adopting Montessori learning – whether district or charter schools – employ a lottery system. Suchman advises, “Whether considering a private or public Montessori school, parents should inquire about the teachers holding recognized credentials specifically for Montessori education, the school’s affiliation with a national Montessori body, and the utilization of Montessori curriculum and materials.”