What distinguishes Montessori from traditional pre-school and Elementary programs?

Montessori
Traditional
Emphasis on cognitive development. Emphasis on social development.
Mainly individual instruction. Mainly group instruction.
Mixed age groups. Same-age groups.
Child works at his/her own pace. Group sets instructional pace.
Children are encouraged to teach, collaborate, & help each other. Most teaching is done by teacher, collaboration is discouraged.
Teacher has unobtrusive role in classroom activity; child is an active participant in learning. Teacher has dominant, active role in classroom activity; child is passive participant in learning.
Environment and method encourage self-discipline. Teacher acts as enforcer of discipline.

Montessori children are unusually adaptable. They have learned to work independently and in groups. Since they’ve been encouraged to make decisions from an early age, these children are problem-solvers who can make appropriate choices and manage their time well.

They have been encouraged to exchange ideas and discuss their work freely with others. Their good communication skills ease the way when they move on to new academic settings.

Research has shown that the best predictor of future success is high self-esteem. Our Montessori program, based on self-directed, non-competitive activities, help children develop strong self-images and the confidence to face challenges and change with optimism.