The quality of your child’s education is not something to leave up to chance. Your child’s future success in secondary school, post-secondary school, and career can all be impacted by the quality of his or her early education. If you are exploring various educational options for your child, start with an option that has over a century of success – Montessori education. The Montessori philosophy of education was developed over a century ago by Dr. Maria Montessori. She developed the philosophy as she worked with children who did not thrive in a traditional education setting. Her methods were so successful with those children that others recognized the value of the Montessori Method. Since then, the Montessori philosophy of education has continued to thrive in locations all over the world. Montessori education is so successful because it is designed around the child, provides individualized learning plans, and focuses on self-directed learning.

Designed around the child

The Montessori classroom is designed around the child. When you look at a classroom that closely follows the Montessori philosophy, you will see that everything is designed at the student’s level. This means that the chairs, shelves, supplies, and even the artwork on the walls are ‘kid-sized’ or set up at a kid level. This design helps Montessori education be successful because it allows students to take on more responsibility. In the Montessori classroom, students are expected to clean up after themselves and be an active participant in keeping everything organized. The fact that everything is on the student’s level makes it possible for them to take on more responsibility in the classroom.

Provides Individualized learning plans

Another key to the success of Montessori education is that each child receives an individualized learning plan. In public school, the focus is on making sure that each student meets a minimum standard. In a Montessori program, the focus is on making sure that each student reaches his or her personal potential. This is done through individualized learning plans that take the unique needs, interests, and abilities of each student into account. A student who is gifted in a certain area can continue moving forward in the Montessori classroom without needing to wait for others in the class to catch up. This design allows each student to be successful.

Focuses on self-directed learning

Montessori education focuses on self-directed learning. This means that students have a say in what and how they learn. The teacher learns about the interests and abilities of each student and provides various learning opportunities. The students then have the opportunity to choose between those options. The focus on self-directed learning helps students develop a sense of responsibility for their education. When students believe that they are responsible for what they learn, it helps them develop into life-long learners.

The three elements outlined above are all integral to the success of Montessori education. You can learn even more about why Montessori education is so successful by exploring the resources in the parent library provided by Fountainhead Montessori School.