Montessori students learn by actively practicing tasks with specifically designed learning materials, rather than through sitting, listening to lectures, and memorizing facts. The Montessori curriculum is broad and encompasses core subjects like language, math, science, art and history, as well as less common subjects like sensorial, practical life, culture, mindfulness, and Grace and Courtesy. In a Montessori environment, children learn practical life skills such as cooking, carpentry and sewing, which not only teaches them independence and responsibility, but also how to be contributing members of society. Grace and Courtesy help refine a child’s social skills and mindfulness helps them become self-aware and teaches them how to regulate their emotions, so that they develop peaceful problem-solving abilities.

Montessori schools are designed for every learner because they allow students to learn at their own pace, which helps them reach their full potential. For students who are gifted, our Montessori educators provide them with intellectual challenges to pique their interests and develop their strengths. This allows the advanced students to reach higher levels of learning without being separated from their peers, which is what would happen in a traditional school where children are encouraged to skip a grade. For children that are a little behind, our Montessori educators are always there to provide the extra guidance and support they need to progress in their learning journey. There is never any pressure for students to “catch up” with their peers in a Montessori setting, because each student is allowed to work at their own pace due to the individualized aspect of the Montessori method.

There is a growing body of reputable research that compares Montessori students to those in traditional schools. These studies suggest that Montessori students perform as well as or better than their non-Montessori counterparts in academic subjects.

One study found that students in Montessori preschools outperformed students in traditional preschools in math and literacy. Another study found that students who attended Montessori preschools and elementary schools got higher scores on standardized math and science tests in high school. Research has also shown that Montessori students tend to have better social and behavior skills, demonstrating a greater sense of fairness and justice, as well as more positive responses for dealing with social dilemmas.

Ironically, moving on to a more difficult concept or activity before the child is developmentally ready is often what causes a child to fall behind. In a Montessori school, children are able to work at their own pace, but the Montessori teachers are always there closely observing the child, ready to offer guidance when it is needed. For instance, when the teacher recognizes that the child has mastered something, they will provide the child with the right materials and activities that are necessary to advance. This allows the child to progress in their learning by building on the skills and knowledge base that they have already gained at the appropriate time and with the appropriate materials.

According to Dr. Montessori, having the freedom of choice to work on something that interests them is what motivates children to learn. This innate curiosity is what drives an internal love of learning. In fact, Dr. Montessori believed that children have a natural desire to develop and learn and will not be content unless they are provided with this opportunity.

At Endeavor Montessori, our classrooms are well stocked with natural and authentic learning materials that are specifically designed to foster development of the brain. The best part is that the children love working with them!

Learning the Montessori way feels more like play than work to young children. Since children have a natural drive and curiosity to master their own bodies and environment, Dr. Montessori used the term “work” to describe the effort that the children put toward this out of respect for them. The Montessori materials and classroom activities, which are specifically designed to foster the development of the whole child, are hands-on, engaging, and fun for the child to work on. At Endeavor Montessori, we also provide plenty of time for outdoor learning and unstructured outdoor activity, which gives children the opportunity to connect with nature.

Mixed age groups provide an engaging social context that allows younger and older students to collaborate and work together. In mixed age classrooms, older students begin practicing leadership and empathy as they mentor and help their young peers. On the same token, younger students can learn and become motivated by watching their older peers. Montessori teachers may teach lessons to individuals rather than the whole group of students so that the children can learn from one another.