The Montessori Method is not a new philosophy of education. It was developed in Italy by Maria Montessori over a century ago. Over the last century, there have been several educational philosophies that have become popular only to fall off the map once their methods proved to be ineffective. The Montessori Method, however, is still being applied in schools throughout the world. This philosophy of education has stood the test of time because it focuses on the individual needs of each child and is dedicated to helping students become successful in life beyond the classroom.

The Montessori Method focuses on the individual needs of each child

Over one hundred years ago, Maria Montessori recognized that each child is unique in the way that he or she learns. She worked with children who were considered ‘unteachable’ and got amazing results. She found that even the most difficult student could learn when provided with the proper environment and resources. This belief continues to be applied in the modern Montessori classroom. Class sizes remain small so teachers can observe the individual needs of each child. Learning plans are then developed to meet students where they are academically. Each plan will look different because each child is different. The interests and preferences of individual students are also considered in the creation of learning plans. Students are involved in the learning process which helps improve engagement with and interest in the concepts that are being taught. Parents today understand that each child learns in unique ways. Maria Montessori understood that fact a century ago and designed an educational Method to meet the needs of the individual child.

The Montessori Method is dedicated to helping students become successful beyond the classroom

Many parents have become disillusioned with the public school system because of the shortsighted emphasis on standardized test scores. The Montessori Method was developed with the overarching goal of preparing students for success in life beyond the classroom. Short term goals in the classroom will teach children to be good students, but it is the long-term goals that teach them to be successful adults. Parents recognize more and more how much the overarching goal of an educational program impacts the design of that program. The Montessori Method is dedicated to helping students become successful beyond the classroom, and that dedication is one of the elements that has helped this method remain strong despite the passage of time.

This is a shortlist of the reasons the Montessori Method continues to be applied over a century after being developed. The results that students have in the Montessori classroom are evidence of the value provided by this philosophy of education. You can learn more about why Montessori education is going strong through the resources in the FMS parent library.