Frequently Asked Questions about Montessori Education
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Montessori Methods Q. Where did Montessori come from? A. Montessori (pronounced MON-tuh-SORE-ee) education was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman in Italy to become a physician. She based her educational methods on scientific observation of children's learning processes. Guided by her discovery that children teach themselves, Dr. Montessori designed a "prepared environment" in which children could freely choose from a number of developmentally appropriate activities. Now, nearly a century after Maria Montessori's first Casa dei Bambini ("Children's House") in Rome, Montessori education is found all over the world, spanning ages from birth to adolescence.

FAQ Categories Montessori Methods Montessori Schools Montessori Teachers Montessori Children

Q. What is the difference between Montessori and traditional education?

A. Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Children in Montessori classes learn at their own, individual pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning. Montessori classes place children in three-year age groups (3-6, 6-9, 9-12, and so on), forming communities in which the older children spontaneously share their knowledge with the younger ones. Montessori represents an entirely different approach to education.

Q. Can I do Montessori at home with my child?

A. Only a trained Montessori teacher can properly implement Montessori education, using the specialized learning equipment of the Montessori "prepared environment." Moreover, the social development that comes from being in an environment with other children is an integral part of Montessori education.

However, Montessori philosophy and practices have much to offer homeschooling parents. Click here for a list of Montessori resources for homeschoolers.

All parents can use Montessori principles of child development at home, complementing your child's experiences in Montessori school. Look at your home through your child's eyes. Children need a sense of belonging, and they get it by participating fully in the routines of everyday life. "Help me do it by myself" is the life theme of the preschooler. Providing opportunities for independence is the surest way to build your child's self-esteem. The NAMTA publication At Home with Montessori describes ways to use Montessori philosophy in the home environment.

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Montessori Schools

Q. How do I find Montessori schools in my area?

A. NAMTA publishes The NAMTA Directory each year in February or March. The directory lists schools that have paid a small fee for a listing. You can print or download the sections you need from the online version. Or click here for information on purchasing a print copy.

Q. Who accredits or oversees Montessori schools?

A. There are several Montessori organizations to which schools can belong. The two major ones operating in the United States are the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI, with a U.S. branch office called AMI-USA) and the American Montessori Society (AMS). Parents considering placing a child in a Montessori school should ask about the school's affiliation(s).

Q. How much does Montessori cost?

A. Because all Montessori schools are operated independently of one another, tuitions vary widely. According to a 2005 NAMTA survey of North American Montessori schools, tuitions range from a low of under $999 per year to a high of over $14,000 per year. Median annual tuition by age level was as follows:

Infant/toddler: $4,200
Ages 3-6, 3-hour day: $3,850
Ages 3-6, 4-hour day: $4,500
Ages 3-6, 6-hour day: $5,875
Ages 6-9: $6,690
Ages 9-12: $6,700
Ages 12-15 and 15-18: $8,170

Also keep in mind that there are many Montessori programs in public schools, which charge no tuition at all to students within their district.

Q. What is the best way to choose a Montessori school for my child?

A. Ask if the school is affiliated with any Montessori organization. Ask what kind of training the teachers have. Visit the school, observe the classroom in action, and later ask the teacher or principal to explain the theory behind the activities you saw. Most of all, talk to your child's prospective teacher about his or her philosophy of child development and education to see if it is compatible with your own.

Q. How many Montessori schools are there?

A. NAMTA estimates that there are about 4,000 Montessori schools in the United States and about 7,000 worldwide.

Q. Are Montessori schools religious?

A. Some are, but most are not. Some Montessori schools, just like other schools, operate under the auspices of a church, synagogue, or diocese, but most are independent of any religious affiliation.

Q. Are all Montessori schools private?

A. No. Approximately 200 public schools in the U.S. and Canada offer Montessori programs, and this number is growing every year.

Q. What does it take to start a Montessori school?

A. A good starting point is a group of parents who want Montessori for their children. The next step is to look into state and local requirements for schools, such as teacher training, facilities, class size, etc. Selecting a site and making sure it meets applicable building codes is also an early part of the process. Montessori materials and furniture must be purchased, and, unless one of the founders has taken Montessori training, a teacher must be hired. For details on starting a school, click here.

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Montessori Teachers

Q. What special training do Montessori teachers have?

A. The two major organizations offering Montessori training in the United States are the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI, with a U.S. branch office called AMI-USA) and the American Montessori Society (AMS). Most training centers require a bachelor's degree for admission. Training ranges from 200 to 600 pre-service contact hours and covers principles of child development and Montessori philosophy as well as specific uses of the Montessori classroom materials. Montessori training centers can be found across North America and around the world.

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Montessori Children

Q. Is Montessori good for children with learning disabilities? What about gifted children?

A. Montessori is designed to help all children reach their fullest potential at their own unique pace. A classroom whose children have varying abilities is a community in which everyone learns from one another and everyone contributes. Moreover, multi-age grouping allows each child to find his or her own pace without feeling "ahead" or "behind" in relation to peers.

Q. What ages does Montessori serve?

A. There are more Montessori programs for ages 3-6 than for any other age group, but Montessori is not limited to early childhood. Many infant/toddler programs (ages 2 months to 3 years) exist, as well as elementary (ages 6-9 and 9-12), adolescent (ages 12-15) and even a few Montessori high schools.

Q. Are Montessori children successful later in life?

A. Research studies show that Montessori children are well prepared for later life academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori children are ranked above average on such criteria as following directions, turning in work on time, listening attentively, using basic skills, showing responsibility, asking provocative questions, showing enthusiasm for learning, and adapting to new situations.

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