Differences Between Montessori and Traditional Education
Montessori Education
Respect for individual differences
Self-motivation and child-oriented learning process
Multi-age grouping whereby students learn “horizontally” from observation of other people’s work, directly or indirectly
Students learn at their own pace, free to complete a project or pursue a subject as deeply as they wish and according to personal enthusiasm.
Students learn by practicing their subject matters while in school with the supervision and assistance of the teacher as needed.
Students make use of the classroom as a library or resource room for their projects, thus they are not restricted for long hours and tire less.
Knowledge is acquired through the use of concrete materials scientifically designed to enhance conceptual thinking and lead to abstraction linked to reality.
Testing is built into the method as the third period of a “three period lesson” for any subject studied. Testing aims at self-correction and repetition for the purpose of reaching competence.
Traditional Education
Pressure to conform
Emphasis on grades, punishment, or rewards as motivating factors
Students grouped chronologically to suit teachers’ pre-planned class lessons
Students change classes or attend lessons all at the same time – subjects are taught in lecture form and practice is done at home.
Students must practice on their own and be graded on large amount of “busy work” or homework that may be done diligently or without close monitoring.
Students work at desks or passively sit at desks to listen to lectures for long periods. They tire easily and require frequent breaks in the schedule. The class period is thus broken down in small units, none of which is enough for serious study and depth of concentration.
Knowledge is often prompted by sheer memorization of unintelligible concepts, disconnected from the child’s experience. Students are asked to learn from abstract ideas through books even when irrelevant and beyond the child’s understanding.
Testing is designed to judge and intimidate the student. Passing a test becomes the goal while becoming competent becomes secondary. Tests can affect one’s self-esteem in a negative way.
Montessori: The world's most influential school?
By David Robson and Alessia Franco of the BBC
“Tech geniuses, nation builders and famous artists have praised the benefits of a Montessori education – but does it hold up to scientific scrutiny? David Robson and Alessia Franco investigate.”
Explore Our Montessori Programs
18 months to 3 years old
Emphasis is placed on gross and fine motor skills, sensorial, language and social development. The environment is arranged specially for, and corresponds to, the growing developmental needs of the child.
3 to 6 years old
Our program is based on the three-year cycle, with the third year serving as the culmination of the preparatory work during the first two years. This results in exciting leaps in reading, writing and math concepts.
6 to 12 years old
At this age, the appetite of children to understand the universe and their place in it directs the elementary work toward all aspects of culture.
12 to 14 years old
Students in our Middle School program engage in a rigorous course of study and research built upon the research focus of the Elementary program.
Ages vary by program
Westside Montessori School currently offers several after-school programs. These extracurricular activities are taught by Montessori-trained faculty and screened independent providers.
18 months to 12 years old
Our summer sessions are taught by our Montessori trained faculty and include several STEAM projects.
