On October 6th, a fascinating article appeared in The Atlantic that highlighted how the traditional school system is failing children when it comes to learning by offering a one-size-fits all approach, especially in core areas such as math.

The article, written by preeminent scientist, Temple Grandin, emphasizes the importance of tailoring education to the needs and diverse minds of each student, as well as the irrefutable benefits that a hands-on, real-world education anchored in meaningful context has on a student’s learning. In Montessori schools, this is an approach that we have been using for over 115 years.

Montessori Practical Life gets a shoutout as well: In her piece, Dr. Grandin notes that current medical graduates are missing key surgical skills because the lack of hands-on activities in their early years has resulted in poor dexterity. Hands-on activities like cutting, grasping, and pegboard work are woven into every element of even our youngest classrooms at WFM.

The article goes on to explore the sad psychological shift that occurs between the optimism and curiosity that fills Kindergarten classrooms to the "boredom" and "dissatisfaction" that plagues high schools.

We believe school should be joyful for children. If you want to see the long-lasting impact that a Montessori approach has on our students' learning and love of school, look no further than the Middle School students, whose positivity, energy, enthusiasm and confidence is truly inspiring.