Do you think about Montessori education for your child? Finding the right program for your child is a big decision that requires careful consideration. Montessori education stands apart from other types of programs in a number of important ways. In order to determine if Montessori education is the right option for your family, consider factors like the makeup of the classroom, the educational philosophy of the program, and the role of the teacher.

Classroom makeup

The Montessori classroom has a unique makeup that is based on the needs of the students and the Montessori philosophy of learning. It is important to consider the makeup of the classroom at the program you choose because your child will spend a significant amount of time in the classroom each day. In Montessori school, class size is intentionally kept small, so the teacher has time to observe each student individually. This daily observation helps with the creation and implementation of the individualized learning plans that are an important part of Montessori education. Another unique element of the classroom makeup in Montessori education is the mixed-age design. Each classroom includes a range of ages, which provides leadership opportunities for older students and learning opportunities for younger students.

Educational philosophy

The underlying educational philosophy of Montessori education is an important factor to consider as you look for the right program. There are a number of core tenets in Montessori education that outline how students are viewed, the purpose of education, and the overall design of the curriculum. In the Montessori Philosophy of education, students are viewed as individuals with unique needs, interests, and abilities. Each student is viewed as smart and capable of learning. The goal of education is to prepare students for success in life. The curriculum is designed to help students develop into independent, self-directed, and life-long learners. There is a wealth of information available about the Montessori Philosophy of education – some written by the creator of the philosophy and some written by other experts. If you want to learn more about this philosophy of education to help with your decision-making process, you can start by looking through the resources in the Fountainhead Montessori School Parent Library.

Role of the teacher

The role of the teacher in the Montessori classroom looks different than the role of the teacher in many other types of programs. In the Montessori classroom, a big part of the teacher’s role is as an observer. The teacher spends time observing each student daily in order to keep track of student progress and provide the appropriate learning opportunities. The small class size provides Montessori teachers with the ability to carefully observe each student and create individualized learning plans.

There are a number of factors to consider before you decide which type of program is right for your child. Fortunately, there is a wealth of information available about the Montessori Philosophy and the design of the Montessori classroom. The FMS parent library is a great place to start learning more about Montessori education. You can also schedule a time to observe a class deepen your understanding of what a Montessori education will offer your child.