Classrooms are “prepared environments” with organized, engaging, and accessible materials. Children learn through spontaneous, hands-on activities.

Montessori-based learning focuses on nurturing the whole child by providing a learning environment that fosters independence, curiosity, and a love of discovery.

Children learn at their own pace in a non-competitive atmosphere, guided by individual interests.

Students pick their own hands-on activity that is placed in the classroom based on their own interest, and can work at their own pace

Students move freely around the classroom, working independently and sometimes in small groups 

They can repeatedly do activities or begin new ones throughout the day

The teachers will be seen observing and guiding students rather than giving direct instructions to the whole class

Activities are individualized for students, allowing kids who speak different languages to learn at their own pace through hands-on activities and have immersive experiences in a Montessori environment.

Lots of room for adaptability and personalized learning for students who are ELLs. 

• Teachers have the flexibility to spend more one-on-one time with a student, guiding them and focusing on them a little more to help them adjust to this new culture and environment

Students get to work at their own pace and own learning speed, so kids with exceptionalities can continue to work at their own learning level

An individualized, hands-on approach allows teachers to adapt lessons and materials for students with exceptionalities

• Are included still with peers (not othered/separated)

Flexible pacing means students can revisit material/concepts when needed

Montessori Schools have tuition

• to be more accessible to more families in different communities, they offer (or should offer if they don't) financial aid to some families or flexible tuition

Focus on equity in the classroom

• There are shared materials that help students not feel left out or that they have less than their peers

  • Regardless of socioeconomic background, they can enjoy the same materials in a non-competitive and inviting environment, where all learning is the same