BETTER ACADEMIC AND BEHAVIOR PERFORMANCE
Researchers compared Montessori students with students in other school programs and found that 5-year-old children who completed the three-year cycle in the Montessori preschool program scored higher on both academic and behavioural tests than the control group. The study also found that 12-year-old Montessori students wrote more sophisticated and creative stories and showed a more highly developed sense of community and social skills than students in other programs.
Lillard, A.S. & Else-Quest, N., “Evaluating Montessori Education,” Science 131: 1893-94 (Sept. 29, 2006).
EACH CHILD IS VALUED AS A UNIQUE INDIVIDUAL
Montessori education recognizes that children learn in different ways and accommodates all learning styles. Students are also free to learn at their own pace, each advancing through the curriculum as he is ready, guided by the teacher and an individualized learning plan.
RESEARCH VALIDATED BENEFITS
A comprehensive review of the scientific literature has demonstrated how research validates Dr. Montessori’s observations about how children learn, particularly with regard to movement and cognition, the detrimental effect on the motivation of extrinsic rewards, the beneficial effect of order in the environment, and the academic and emotional benefits of freedom of choice
Lillard, A.S., Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius, New York: Oxford UP, 2005.
STUDENTS ARE PART OF A CLOSE CARING COMMNITY
The multi-age classroom—typically spanning three years—re-creates a family structure. Older students enjoy stature as mentors and role models; younger children feel supported and gain confidence about the challenges ahead. Montessori Guides model respect, loving kindness, and a belief in peaceful conflict resolution.
IMPROVED MATHEMATICAL & SCIENCE ABILITIES
Students who had attended Montessori preschool and elementary programs significantly outperformed a peer control group on math/science scores. “In essence,” the study found, “attending a Montessori program from the approximate ages of three to 11 predicts significantly higher mathematics and science standardized test scores in high school.
Dohrmann, K., “Outcomes for Students in a Montessori Program: A Longitudinal Study of the Experience in the Milwaukee Public Schools”(AMI/USA May 2003).
SELF-CORRECTION & SELF-ASSESMENTS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE MONTESSORI CLASSROOM APPROACH
As they mature, students learn to look critically at their work and become adept at recognizing, correcting, and learning from their errors.