How can a “real” Montessori school be identified?
Since Montessori is not a franchise and is a word in the public domain, it is possible for any individual or institution to claim to be Montessori. An authentic Montessori school must have these basic characteristics at all levels: 1. Teachers credentialed in Montessori philosophy and methodology; 2. A partnership established with the student’s family; 3. A multi-aged, multi-graded heterogenous grouping of students, which includes at least a three year age range; 4. A diverse set of Montessori materials, activities and experiences designed to foster physical, intellectual, creative and social independence; 5. A schedule which allows large blocks of time to problem-solve, to see connections in knowledge and to create new ideas; and 6. A classroom atmosphere which encourages social interaction for cooperative learning, peer teaching and emotional development.
