Frequently Asked Questions

Key Montessori principles include:

• Independence and discovery: All authentic Montessori schools prioritize independence as the goal. We believe in empowering children with the materials, guidance and an environment that fosters independent thought and action.
• An absorbent mind: The early years of life are the most essential for their development since children absorb the most from birth through age 6. During this time, children are naturally curious, and a Montessori education guides them in exploring their world.
• Sensitive periods for learning: Children experience four stages of growth, and a Montessori education is built around these planes of development. Children are taught new concepts using methods that align with their developmental stages.
• Child-directed work: All Montessori curricula stress individualized learning based on the child's interests, development stage and needs. Children can choose their activities each day and have a voice in their own education.
• A prepared environment: The Montessori classroom layout — called the prepared environment — is carefully designed to ensure everything has a place and a purpose.

Montessori schools develop all aspects of a child — social, emotional, physical and academic. Montessori programs take a child-centered approach, where activities and lessons revolve around each child's unique interests and abilities.

Learn more about the Montessori Method and what sets Montessori apart from a traditional early childhood education.

No, some public schools offer Montessori programs within their main educational framework. A private school can complement the Montessori method of education due to the small class size, attention to each individual child and parent involvement.

No, in fact, "Montessori" is not trademarked, which means that any school can claim to be "Montessori." Some "Montessori schools" do not even adhere to the traditional principles and methods of Maria Montessori.

The only guarantee that a school actually implements the totality and authentic standards of the Montessori Method is through accreditation by an official accrediting body such as the Association Montessori International (AMI), American Montessori Society (AMS), International Montessori Society (IMS) or other recognized organization.

Learn more about Sapientia Montessori's AMI Recognition for meeting authentic Montessori Method of Education requirements.

Learn how to identify an inauthentic Montessori school.

Ideally, within the toddler age range — 16-32 months old.

Starting Montessori at an early age helps create a strong foundation for your child. They're surrounded by the same principles from the time they are toddlers all the way through Elementary school. The Montessori program fully supports the child through a period of social, physical and emotional growth.

The Toddler program at Sapientia provides a significant foundation for the Primary program.

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You may also enroll your child for the Primary program at the age of 3, provided they're toilet-trained. The Primary is a three-year program, commonly for ages 3 and up and includes the Kindergarten year.

We don't typically recommend starting a child in Montessori education beyond the age of 3. At this age point, "the absorbent mind" is closing and the child may have a hard time acclimating to the Montessori method of education. The Elementary program is generally available for children who have completed the Montessori Primary program, although on the individual basis and upon an interview, we may consider students who come from other academic backgrounds.

It's recommended that children at least complete the Montessori Kindergarten year.

This is the time when all of the learnings are cemented and fully manifest themselves — that "aha!" moment — a magical year during which everything that the child has experienced in the initial years becomes internalized and reinforced.

The Primary Montessori program is a 3-year program for a very valid reason. In Montessori, the child grows from the concrete to the abstract learnings through a carefully designed multiyear process, which aligns with the scientific developmental stages of a child.

Some choose to continue through the Elementary Montessori program, which builds on the Primary program’s foundation through significantly higher levels of academic abstraction while exponentially increasing creativity, independence and leadership.

A Montessori education incorporates practical life skills by introducing learning opportunities that foster them. For example, preschool-aged children may engage in activities like washing, tidying or watering plants to learn about caring for their environment. These children may also practice self-care, such as learning to zipper, tie and button with a dressing board. The practical life skills each curriculum introduces will align with the child's age, interests and development stage.

The prepared environment is designed to encourage children to do things themselves with the support, guidance and resources they need to succeed. Students also participate in activities that help them learn to care for themselves and their surroundings, leading to a sense of pride, accomplishment and self-confidence.

Montessori teachers track academic children's progress, interests and strengths. This careful observation allows them to adjust curricula to meet individual student needs. Children always have the freedom to work at their own pace, engage with activities that intrigue them and move throughout the prepared environment to places where they can focus best.

Yes. Many children are able to take their independence and ability to solve challenges and excel in a traditional school.

Children may find acclimating to the rules of traditional schooling challenging, but from an educational standpoint, Montessori teaches children skills that set them up for success in elementary school, middle school and beyond.

Most of our children place one to two levels higher than their age-equivalent grades and quickly move into advanced curriculums.

It is important to keep in mind that the individual circumstances of each child, the timing of Montessori enrollment and the involvement of the parents in the educational process also play a significant role.

Montessori age groups span as many as three years in early childhood. Larger classroom sizes are beneficial to supporting a sense of community and other Montessori values. These classrooms generally have 20 to 30 students each. This span allows older students to be both role models and resources for their younger peers. It also lets younger ones experiment with a wider range of learning materials so they can progress at their own pace.

Infant and toddler classes typically have about 10 to 15 children to conform to lower student-teacher ratio regulations.

Thanks to key principles of our education, Montessori students are well-prepared to transition from our learning environment to a mainstream school. Children who come from a Montessori background have the social, intellectual and communication skills to collaborate successfully, think critically and resolve conflicts effectively. Students also have self-control, accountability, empathy and a desire to learn. Together, these skills and traits result in adaptable students ready to tackle the next learning challenge independently or as part of a team.

Yes! Applying Montessori principles is crucial to setting a strong foundation for your child.

Learn more about implementing Montessori principles in your home.