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Montessori vs Conventional Education


One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child.

-Maria Montessori


How can you identify a Montessori school?  What is the purpose of the way we do things?  Why should you consider a Montessori education for your child?  In other words....

What makes us different?

Montessori

 
a green graphic of a older girl and younger boy

Multi-age classrooms, flexible seating and freedom of movement mimic family life and the real world.

a green graphic of an adult and child

Individualized, child-led learning encourages exploration and following passions. 

a graphic of 2 children stacking blocks

Use of concrete manipulative materials that appeal to the senses and encourage hands-on learning.

a graphic of two people sitting at a table with a checkmark between them.

Encourages intrinsic motivation and teaches peer conflict resolution skills

a graphic with a girl reading a book with a lightbulb over her head

A focus on process and discovery fosters a lifetime love of learning. 
 

a graphic of a smiling face next to a heart made of jigsaw puzzle pieces

Whole child development (social, emotional, cognitive, fine/gross motor, speech & language.)

Conventional
 

a graphic of 3 shapes representing people

Same age classes where students are each assigned a desk.
 

a graphic of a teacher and three students

Teacher-led learning - all students learn the same thing at the same time and pace. 

graphic of a student sitting at a desk with question marks over head

Use of worksheets, textbooks and abstract rote learning related to upcoming test. 

graphic of one person pointing at another with an X in a speech bubble

Motivation is rewards based (stickers, grades, etc.) and discipline is decided by adults in authority.

a graphic showing a person looking at a paper with writing on it

Focus on products (tests and grades) with a goal of only mastering core curricula objectives. 
 

graphic of three people with graduation caps and gowns on

Focus on academic and social development. 

Want to learn more about Montessori?

Montessori 101

See how Montessori looks at The Village School.

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