Finding the Right School
Finding the right Montessori school for your child is never an easy task. There are variations between each school, but overall, the method and philosophy of Montessori schools should be similar. When choosing a school, there are several key factors to consider.
Montessori Learning Environment
When you enter a Montessori classroom, you should see a warm and inviting environment, where students aren't sitting in rows of desks but are working individually or in pairs or small groups. The Montessori classroom is organized into curriculum areas, often including: practical life, language, mathematics, sensorial materials, science, history, art, music, and movement.
Teachers
Montessori teachers should be certified with a Montessori teaching credential for the age group they teach. Many classrooms also have a Montessori teacher's assistant. The role of the teacher is to guide the children, and mentor them, rather than directly instructing a child on a specific lesson.
Composition of Classroom
A Montessori classroom is composed of mixed age groups, generally spanning a three year age range. This enables older students to act as mentors to younger students, and for younger students to learn from and interact with children one or two years older.