A Montessori education differs from a public education in a number of ways. Many public schools place a big emphasis on test scores and college preparation. Because of this, some parents have questions about how the differences in Montessori education impact student preparation for college. Does a Montessori education serve students well in college? A Montessori education does serve students well in college because it is designed to prepare students for success in life, puts an emphasis on mastery over test scores, and helps develop self-directed learners.
Views education as preparation for life
One of the core tenets of the Montessori philosophy is that education should prepare students for success in life. This means that students learn how to learn instead of focusing on how to do well on tests. Teaching a child how to find the information and gain the knowledge that he or she needs is a skill that will be useful in college and beyond. One of the ways that a Montessori education prepares students for life and college is by encouraging exploration. The deepest learning occurs when students have the ability to explore a topic that is of interest to them. Exploration is an essential part of the learning process in early education, college, and throughout life. The Montessori Philosophy focuses on the long-term goals for students so they are prepared for college and beyond.
Focuses on mastery
A Montessori education will serve students well in college because there is a focus on mastery for each student. Students in the Montessori classroom are provided with individualized learning plans. This means that each student is provided the time and space to master a topic before moving on to something else. Students are able to do deep work until they truly grasp a concept. It is not about cramming in the information long enough to do well on a test. Instead, students internalize the concepts so they can carry that knowledge and build upon it as they continue their education.
Develops self-directed learners
Another way a Montessori education can serve students well in college is by helping them become self-directed learners. A self-directed learner is someone who can learn and seek out knowledge without needing direct supervision or instruction. In the Montessori classroom, this is accomplished by giving students options about what and how they learn and then providing them with the space to dive in and explore. Being a self-directed learner is essential for success in college because higher education requires a significant amount of independence.
The unique design of a Montessori education can serve students well in college and beyond. The dedication to long-term goals for education makes a Montessori program a great choice if you have plans for your child to pursue higher education.
FAQs
A Montessori education will serve students well in college because there is a focus on mastery for each student. Students in the Montessori classroom are provided with individualized learning plans. This means that each student is provided the time and space to master a topic before moving on to something else.
Are Montessori students successful? ›
Montessori students were, on average, a full school year ahead by sixth grade, according to the analysis. The most significant academic gains were in language, math, and general academic ability; there was not a significant benefit in science or social studies.
How well do Montessori students do compared to students in non Montessori schools? ›
Montessori students performed about 1/3 of a standard deviation higher than students in traditional education on nonacademic outcomes, including self‐regulation (executive function), well‐being at school, social skills, and creativity.
How do Montessori kids get into college? ›
Montessori schools, known for their emphasis on self-directed learning and collaboration, can provide a solid foundation for college readiness. In terms of admissions, Montessori students often develop exceptional critical thinking skills, creativity, and a love for learning — all qualities that colleges value.
How good is Montessori education? ›
The first study found better academic skills and higher IQ in boys, but not girls, who attended Montessori schools. In the second study, children in the Montessori program were more likely to graduate high school and less likely to be held back.
How well do Montessori students do in college? ›
A Montessori education does serve students well in college because it is designed to prepare students for success in life, puts an emphasis on mastery over test scores, and helps develop self-directed learners.
Is Montessori good for academics? ›
Montessori education has higher academic standards than the typical public school. The focus on individualized instruction in Montessori programs allows teachers to focus on what each child needs academically.
Does Montessori have a downside? ›
While some activities are conducted in small groups, there is less focus on fostering teamwork and collaborative skills. As a result, Montessori students may have limited opportunities to develop essential collaboration abilities that are highly valuable in real-life situations.
What does evidence say about Montessori education? ›
The data show that a Montessori education provides academic benefits, especially in language and math. Montessori students demonstrated stronger executive function and reported a more positive school experience.
Do kids who go to Montessori do better? ›
Lehrer found that by the end of kindergarten, “Montessori students proved to be significantly better prepared for elementary school in reading and math skills than the non-Montessori children.
While Montessori students generally excel in high school, they may encounter a few challenges during the transition.
At what age do most Montessori schools start accepting students? ›
What ages do Montessori schools serve? Currently, most Montessori programs begin at the Early Childhood level (for children ages 2.5 – 6 years). However there are also programs for infants and toddlers (birth – age 3), Elementary-aged children (ages 6 – 12), and Secondary students (ages 12 – 18).
How do Montessori kids turn out? ›
Often, children from Montessori environments exhibit maturity above that of their peers. This is generally because Montessori students have been given the opportunity to make independent choices early on within the context of a multi-age peer group.
How successful are Montessori students? ›
Analysing their progress at age five, Lillard found that the children who went to the Montessori school tended to have better literacy, numeracy, executive function and social skills, compared to those who had attended the other schools. And at age 12, they showed better story-telling abilities.
Is Montessori for the wealthy? ›
Many people consider Montessori's educational method to be exclusively for the elite or wealthy. This misconception likely originated in the 1950s and 1960s, a time when few children attended preschool, and public schools rarely offered kindergarten.
What age is Montessori most effective? ›
The best time to enroll your child into a Montessori school is between the ages of 2.5 and 6 years old, when they are most sensitive to the world around them. During this time, children master a wide set of skills while pursuing their interests. So start looking for a Montessori school sooner than later!
Do Montessori students do better in life? ›
Analysing their progress at age five, Lillard found that the children who went to the Montessori school tended to have better literacy, numeracy, executive function and social skills, compared to those who had attended the other schools. And at age 12, they showed better story-telling abilities.
Do Montessori schools have a record of success? ›
Two lottery-control studies in public Montessori schools showed that Montessori 5-year-olds had better math and reading performance, better social skills and knowledge, more advanced moral reasoning and higher executive function. Findings with lower-income 5-year-olds are particularly impressive.
Are kids happier in Montessori schools? ›
A Montessori education has been linked to elevated psychological well-being as an adult. One reason is that children in Montessori schools are allowed to choose their own work and participate in meaningful activities. They also experience greater social stability and cohesion in their classes.
