Q. What is the difference between Montessori and traditional education?

A. Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Children in Montessori classes learn at their own, individual pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning. Montessori classes place children in three-year age groups (3-6, 6-9, 9-12, and so on), forming communities in which the older children spontaneously share their knowledge with the younger ones. Montessori represents an entirely different approach to education.

Q. What is the best time to start a child?

A. Maria Montessori outlined various periods of "sensitivity". During these times, a child is more capable of and interested in learning specific concepts. At age 2 ½ to 3 ½, a special sense of order, concentration, coordination and independence begins to emerge. This time is ideal to begin a child's training in Montessori as she is at the perfect period to build a strong foundation for future learning.

Parents should understand that the Montessori school is neither a baby-sitting service nor a play school that prepares a child for traditional kindergarten. Rather, it is a unique school whose program is designed to take advantage of the child's sensitive years when she can absorb information from an enriched environment.

A child who acquires the basic skills of reading and arithmetic in this natural way has the advantage of beginning her education without drudgery, boredom or discouragement. By pursuing her individual interests in a Montessori classroom, she gains an early enthusiasm for learning which is the key to her becoming a truly "educated" person.

Q.Are Montessori schools religious?

A. Some are, but most are not.  Some Montessori schools, just like other schools, operate under the auspices of a church, synagogue, or diocese, but most are independent of any religious affiliation.

Q. What special training do Montessori teachers have?

A. The two major organizations offering Montessori training in the United States are the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI, with a U.S. branch office called AMI-USA) and the American Montessori Society (AMS). Most training centers require a bachelor's degree for admission. Training ranges from 200 to 600 pre-service contact hours and covers principles of child development and Montessori philosophy as well as specific uses of the Montessori classroom materials. Montessori training centers can be found across North America and around the world.

Q.Are Montessori schools religious?

A. Some are, but most are not.  Some Montessori schools, just like other schools, operate under the auspices of a church, synagogue, or diocese, but most are independent of any religious affiliation.

Q. Why should the Montessori Pre-School experience be five days?

A. The Montessori classroom experience must take place for five consecutive days in order to allow the spontaneous learning of the child to flow smoothly. A child taken in and out of school every other day does not have the same opportunity to pursue his unfolding interests.