Montessori Myth Busting

Montessori education typically has a more integrated, holistic curriculum that is focused on the development of the whole child. Traditional education is more subject-focused, with a curriculum that is broken down into specific subjects like math, science, and language arts.

No. While it is true that Maria Montessori's work began with serving neurodiverse learners, the method and philosophy can be applied and successful in all learners

MSE can and does serve gifted students at a high level. Advanced Learning Plans are created for students if they are ready. Montessori teachers are highly trained to observe students and identify when a student is ready to be guided to the next level. 

 Because each learner is approached and guided individually according to their own potential there is no cap on progress in a classroom.

No. Montessori educates children without reference to a religious denomination. 

Montessori is not a franchise. The term Montessori is not trademarked. Anyone, regardless of training, experience or affiliation can open a “Montessori” school. It is essential that parents researching Montessori act as good consumers to ensure the authenticity of their chosen program.

Today, there are two major organizations that are generally regarded as the standard for Montessori education. They are AMI (Association Montessori International), which was created by Dr. Montessori herself, and AMS (American Montessori Society), which branched off from AMI in 1960. The two organizations maintain a positive working relationship and mutual respect for the work they both do. 

Montessori schools may be best known for their programs with young children, but the underlying educational method is comprehensive for students up through high school.

The different arrangement of a Montessori classroom mirrors the Montessori Method's differences from traditional education. Rather than putting the teacher at the focal point of the class, with children dependent on her for information and activity, the classroom is a  child-centered approach. Children work at tables or on floor mats where they can spread out their materials, and the teacher circulates about the room, giving lessons or resolving issues as they arise.

Yes. Montessori classrooms encourage deep learning of the concepts behind academic skills rather than rote practice of abstract techniques. The success of our students appears in the experiences of our alumni, who compete successfully with traditionally educated students in a variety of high schools and universities.

Montessori classrooms emphasize competition with oneself: self-monitoring, self-correction, and a variety of other executive skills aimed at continuous improvement. Leadership is fostered through mixed-age classrooms based on the planes of development.

Transitions are a core piece of the Montessori curriculum. Students move from learner to leader positions with every change in levels. This builds their skills to handle transitions in life beginning with our toddlers.