When you start researching Montessori, you will most likely find early childhood programs, videos of Montessori activity ideas for children 6 years and younger, and a few materials for young children. However, it may take some additional digging to learn how Montessori benefits other age groups.
Before “Preschool”
While the most popular Montessori program is “Primary” (also known as “Casa” or “Children’s House”) for ages 3-6, Montessori education can start much earlier so that your child can begin building their foundation before the traditional preschool age.
Toddler
Montessori programs for the youngest children go beyond just childcare. The classrooms are designed to foster a young child’s emerging independence and desire for exploration. During the first 3 years of life, your child develops more rapidly than at any other time. They absorb large amounts of information about their environment. In a Montessori program for Toddlers, children have freedom of movement to experience their environment and help them strive toward independence. They begin developing language, concentration, problem-solving, and physical coordination skills. Teachers are trained to understand the child’s developmental needs and observe each child individually to ensure that the environment supports them. Toddler programs are the perfect option for families who want to build a solid foundation early.
Elementary
The Elementary years (6-12) are full of excitement and curiosity for every child. If your child has experienced the Montessori classroom during the Primary years, they are most likely confident, independent, and already advanced beyond a traditional school curriculum. If your child has not experienced a Montessori environment in their preschool years, a Montessori Elementary classroom is a wonderful place to help their inquisitiveness and enthusiasm for learning thrive. In a Montessori Elementary program, your child will learn in an environment uniquely designed for them, supported by highly trained teachers. They will learn lessons based on their developmental readiness and be allowed the freedom to follow their curiosity. There is a focus on independent thinking, leadership, in-depth understanding, and community. Social and emotional skills, presentation skills, and self-confidence flourish in the Elementary years. Unlike traditional schooling where students as young as Kindergarten start to lose their love for learning to rote memorization and standardized test prep, Montessori is not focused on testing to measure success.
Adolescence
Adolescent Montessori programs are rare and an International Baccalaureate-Montessori blended program is truly a gem that is near impossible to find! When you encounter one, you will find capable teens who can see their value within the larger community. They find support for emotions and social dynamics during this tumultuous time of life in both their peers and adult advisors. There is a focus on getting valuable real-world experience. These teens are not just reading literature, learning algebra, and conducting scientific studies; they are building community centers, creating small businesses, and contributing to the betterment of their community. They explore where they belong in the world, what it means to be a global citizen, and how they can make the world a better place for future generations. The culminating experience for our Montessori-IB students is an individual or small group Community Project in which they design their own service learning project around a topic they are passionate about. Community Projects completed by our graduates have included designing a website with resources for educators to help their neurodivergent students, working with refugee children at Welcome Home Jersey City, creating a video to spread awareness of the scholarship programs at Nimbus Dance, and even advocating for stomach cancer research with the in Washington DC with the Debbie’s Dream Foundation.