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You already know that Montessori is different from

conventional education methods. You may have

heard some folks rave about the benefits while

others share their doubts. The truth is, there are a lot

of differences. Montessori education is nothing like

the type of schooling that most children experience -

including us adults when we were children.

Understanding the differences can help you decide

whether or not Montessori might be a good fit for

your family. We invite you to read the comparison

below, then come see for yourself. Visiting our

classroom environments in person is the very best

way to understand our approach.

When viewing this chart please keep

two important points in mind

1 All schools are different. There is no one

standard for conventional or Montessori

educational settings. The statements below

are generalizations, though widely considered

accurate.

2 You may see similar charts like this floating

around the internet. Ours is different in that

we aim to provide factual, observational

comparisons. The intention is not to convince

you that Montessori is somehow better, but to

assist you in your decision-making process.

We do, of course, believe in the validity of our

methods, but we fully acknowledge that

Montessori is not the best fit for every family.

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MONTESSORI CONVENTIONAL

Montessori classrooms utilize a multi-age model.

Ranges are typically 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12.

MIXED AGE GROUPINGS SINGLE YEAR CHRONOLOGICAL GRADE

In conventional schools, children generally move

to a new grade and class each year.

Teachers are trained to guide children through a

set curriculum; however each child sets their own

pace and is able to more deeply explore areas of

interest.

INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION GROUP PACED INSTRUCTION WITH

ELEMENTS OF DIFFERENTIATION

Teachers often teach skills to the whole class at

once and pacing does not allow for extra support

or challenge. In recent years efforts are being

made in some settings to find ways to provide

elements of differentiated instruction.

Montessori educators believe that children have

an innate desire to learn and that the learning

itself is a reward. Progress reports typically

include teacher narratives and information on

skills that have been presented, practiced, and

mastered.

FOCUS ON INTRINSIC USE OF REWARDS AND PUNISHMENTS

Conventional schooling typically takes the

approach that external rewards are motivators.

Children receive grades on their reports, stickers

or stamps on papers deemed “good,” and class

celebrations for positive behavior

Montessori environments are set up so that

children may safely and independently use the

toilet, eat a snack, and get a drink of water when

their bodies signal the need and without the

permission of an adult.

PHYSICAL AUTONOMY ADULT PERMISSION REQUIRED TO

FULFILL CERTAIN NEED

In order to maintain order within a class that

largely does the same activities at the same time,

children have scheduled snack/restroom use

times, or they may ask an adult for permission.

As a result of multi-age class groupings, children

remain with the same teacher for three years.

ONE TEACHER FOR THREE YEARS NEW TEACHER EACH YEAR

In typical conventional schools, children move on to

a new classroom with a new teacher each school

year.

Children may choose to sit and work alone or

withothers, at a table or on a carpeted floor. They

may move throughout the day to seek out

different seating options.

VARIETY OF SEATING OPTIONS DESKS WITH CHAIRS

Most conventional classrooms utilize individual

desks with chairs. There are many configurations;

some teachers rely on the traditional row

formation, while others use desks to form small

groups, a horseshoe shape, or other setups.

MONTESSORI OR CONVENTIONAL: WHAT’S BEST FOR YOUR FAMILY

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MONTESSORI OR CONVENTIONAL: WHAT’S BEST FOR YOUR FAMILY

Framed prints or artwork are hung on classroom

walls. Select, specific curriculum materials (such

as timelines) may be seen in elementary and

adolescent environments.

SELECT ART ON WALLS ENVIRONMENTAL TEXT

Many conventional educators hang reference

materials on the walls of their classrooms, as well as

motivational and/or decorative posters.

Montessori classrooms emphasize use of wood,

glass, and natural fibers. Plastic is avoided

whenever possible.

NATURAL MATERIALS VARIETY OF MATERIALS

A variety of materials can be found in conventional

classrooms, with an emphasis on paper and plastic.

Specially designed hands-on materials are used

in Montessori classrooms. As children get older

(Throughout the elementary years), they rely

increasingly on pencil and paper, typically using

notebooks. There are generally no textbooks,

workbooks, or worksheets.

HANDS-ON MATERIALS TEXTBOOKS, WORKSHEETS, AND

MANIPULATIVES

A variety of teaching tools are used, including

textbooks, workbooks, and photocopied

worksheets. In the last two decades, conventional

schools are finding ways to include the use of

manipulative materials, especially in math and

science.

Montessori teachers rely heavily on formative

assessment, which entails observing a child as

they work. During lessons this often means

staying flexible enough to change course

depending on the

child’s understanding of the skill.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Teachers in conventional schools rely on a variety

of assessment methods but tend to lean heavily

on summative assessment. Examples include tests,

quizzes, and graded assignments. Summative

assessments place a value on student

understanding at a particular point in time.