Created in the early 20th century by Maria Montessori, the Montessori private schooling system has and continues to benefit children across the globe. In the U.S. alone, more than 5,000 public schools currently employ Montessori methods, and private school students are reaping the benefits of this education.
Across the board, Montessori children are reported to better demonstrate abilities in the realm of social justice and fairness and score higher on social and behavioral exams. Additionally, kindergarten Montessori students are reported to be better equipped for elementary reading and mathematics, as compared with non-Montessori students.
But what is it about Montessori that sets these private school students up for excellence and success? The natural learning process is key to any Montessori education, and with that comes 5 vital principles:
Every child learns differently
The Montessori education recognizes that every child is unique and responds differently to different learning environments. Each child has different entry points for learning. Paying close attention to children and actively following their interests and desires for knowledge makes for a better, more enjoyable, and more effective education.
Learning doesn't just happen inside the classroom
Montessori educators understand that learning takes places everywhere -- both indoors and outdoors. Encouraging your child to explore the possibilities of learning within natural and traditional learning environments makes for a well-rounded and inquisitively based education.
Learning is a hands-on experience
Montessori educators believe that the best way to learn is by doing. This means providing private school students with as many tools and opportunities possible to actualize their education.
It's always better learning together
Montessori private school students actively work together in the exploration of knowledge. Since different children learn in their own unique way, small group settings offer a spectrum of perspectives for private school students and facilitate opportunities to build teamwork skills.
An organized environment lends to an organized mind
When students are immersed in a welcoming, comfortable and organized learning space, they are better able to synthesize information and furthermore absorb this information.