A school that follows authentic Montessori standards is proven to produce savvy, self-assured, passionate children who love learning for a lifetime. But not all schools that say they’re Montessori are authentic in applying the time-tested Montessori technique.
So, if you’re considering a Montessori pre-school, primary school, or elementary school for your son or daughter, it’s essential to look beyond the labels. Take a close look at any Montessori school you’re considering, and see for yourself what the school actually provides.
A Montessori Education Is About More than a Name
Though many Rockville, Maryland parents don’t realize it, the word “Montessori” is not trademarked or copyrighted. Any school can put this label in its name, without actually providing an education that matches true Montessori standards. This makes identifying a genuine Montessori school all the more important before you enroll your child.
Key Questions to Ask Before Your Child Enrolls
Choosing the right Montessori school for your child is easier when you know what to look for. These 6 questions will help you determine a Montessori school’s authenticity and quality, so that your son or daughter receives the best education possible.
1. Is the learning self-directed or teacher-directed?
One of the key signs of an authentic Montessori classroom is that it is not teacher-centric, but rather child-centric. Unlike a traditional or even a hybrid school, a genuine Montessori education is led by the student.
What this looks like:
- Uninterrupted individual work periods—Children enjoy three hours of self-chosen work in the mornings. During this time, they receive individual attention from Montessori teachers and work on their own, rather than in groups.
2. Are the students encouraged to develop self-reliance?
Maria Montessori understood that children need a blend of practice and encouragement to develop self-reliance and creative thinking. A true Montessori classroom reflects this attitude.
What this looks like:
- Practice in self-care—Children are allowed to perform activities they are capable of, such as tying shoes when they can do so. And they get practice in self-care skills such as cleaning up after themselves.
3. Is the learning hands-on?
Many schools provide mainly passive learning activities, such as listening to lectures or watching videos. But children learn best through exploring their world and experimenting for themselves. This experiential approach engages children’s imaginations and creates a lifelong love of learning.
What this looks like:
- Active experiences—Instead of hearing about numbers and math, Montessori students use tools like counting beads in order to touch, feel, and experience numbers and math. Hands-on activities experiences take place for every area of learning.
- Superior educational materials—Authentic Montessori schools use high-quality educational tools, usually made with wood, that are appealing to the child’s senses.
4. Are there mixed age groups in each classroom?
Another sign of an authentic Montessori education is its commitment to allowing children to mentor each other and learn from one another. This allows children to begin the practice of being leaders and also builds their social skills, both important traits for future success.
What this looks like:
- Students of different ages in the same room—Each classroom includes students of varying ages and grade levels.
- Peer mentors—Older students will act as guides to younger children, helping them to learn.
- Age-appropriate curriculum—Students are grouped in three age groups and given a curriculum that fits the child’s stage of development:
- Montessori pre-school—Ages 2 to 3
- Montessori primary school—Ages 3 to 6
- Montessori elementary school—Ages 6 to 9
5. Are the Montessori teachers certified?
There are certifications and memberships that an authentic Montessori school can hold. And the organizations that issue these certifications and memberships are committed to upholding Montessori standards and ethics.
What this looks like:
- Experienced Montessori teachers—An authentic Montessori school employs teachers who have undertaken rigorous training and gained Montessori certification.
- AMS membership—Only about 1 in 4 schools that say they’re Montessori are actually members of The American Montessori Society (AMS), which expects its member schools to adhere to Montessori standards.
- Board of Education approval—Find out if the school you’re considering is overseen by your local Board of Education.
6. Does the classroom feel calm, beautiful, and nurturing?
The Montessori approach is about more than academics. It’s also about embracing the beauty of our world in a mindful, empowering way. This way of seeing life is evident in all the details of an authentic Montessori classroom, from materials and setup to indoor/outdoor layout and the classroom’s atmosphere.
What this looks like:
- Calm environment—The classroom reflects a peaceful atmosphere as children work quietly on individual projects, communicate calmly, and act with serene purposefulness as they move about the room.
- Natural beauty—All five senses are engaged by beautiful images and pleasing sensory materials inside the class, and a lovely, inviting natural outdoor play area.
- Welcoming, caring approach—Children are welcomed individually each day as they arrive. They are encouraged to connect with each other and their teachers with respect, kindness, and grace.
See the Montessori Difference at Our School
At Primary Montessori Day School, we are committed to providing an authentic, inspiring Montessori education for your child. We deliver the original, proven Montessori method in a building designed specifically for Montessori education, and all our teachers have AMS, AMI, or MACTE approved post graduate certification in the Montessori method. Plus, our school is regularly accredited by the American Montessori Society—one of the key signs that you’re getting the best in a Montessori education.
The result—your child gets a genuine, enriching Montessori education that prepares them to embrace academic, social, and personal success for a lifetime. Contact us at (301) 309-9532 to learn more about our curriculum, or to start the enrollment process by scheduling a tour.