Pearlily Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten – Frequently Asked Questions2023-09-27T13:34:36-04:00

Frequently Asked Questions

Montessori schools are growing in number and key Montessori principles are being integrated into many public schools and universities. Along with growing interest and acceptance, there are also questions and misconceptions. Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often.

What’s the difference between Montessori and traditional education?2022-09-05T12:42:38-04:00

For children six and under, Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Children in Montessori classes learn at their own, individual pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities. They are not required to sit and listen to a teacher talk to them as a group, but are engaged in individual or group activities of their own, with materials that have been introduced to them 1:1 by the teacher who knows what each child is ready to do. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning. Above age six children learn to do independent research, arrange field trips to gather information, interview specialists, create group presentation, dramas, art exhibits, musical productions, science projects, and so forth.

There is no limit to what they create in this kind of intelligently guided freedom. There are no text books or adult-directed group lessons or daily schedule. There is great respect for the choices of the children, but they easily keep up with or surpass what they would be doing in a more traditional setting. There is no wasted time and children enjoy their work and study. The children ask each other for lessons and much of the learning comes from sharing and inspiring each other instead of competing.

Why does Montessori have multi-age classrooms?2022-09-05T12:44:45-04:00

Multi-age classrooms afford us the luxury of adapting the curriculum to the individual child. Each child can work at his or her own pace while remaining in the community with his or her peers. In addition, the multi-age format allows all older children to be the leaders of the classroom community, even those children who may be shy or quiet.

If children are free to choose their own work, how do you ensure that they receive a well-rounded education?2022-09-05T12:45:10-04:00

Montessori children are free to choose within limits, and have only as much freedom as they can handle with appropriate responsibility. The classroom teacher and assistant ensure that children do not interfere with each other, and that each child is progressing at her appropriate pace in all subjects.

Montessori classrooms don’t look like regular classrooms. Where are the rows of desks? Where does the teacher stand?2022-09-05T12:45:31-04:00

The different arrangement of a Montessori classroom mirrors the Montessori method’s differences from traditional education. Rather than putting the teacher at the focal point of the class, with children dependent on her for information and activity, the classroom shows a literally child-centered approach. Children work at tables or on floor mats where they can spread out their materials, and the teacher circulates about the room, giving lessons or resolving issues as they arise.

Are Montessori schools as academically rigorous as traditional schools?2022-09-05T12:45:50-04:00

Yes, Montessori classrooms encourage deep learning of the concepts behind academic skills rather than rote practice of abstract techniques. The success of our students appears in the experiences of our alumni, who compete successfully with traditionally educated students in a variety of high schools and universities.

Since Montessori classrooms emphasize non-competitiveness, how are students adequately prepared for real-life competition later on?2022-09-05T12:46:08-04:00

Montessori classrooms emphasize competition with oneself: self-monitoring, self-correction, and a variety of other executive skills aimed at continuous improvement. Students typically become comfortable with their strengths and learn how to address their weaknesses.  It is a healthy competition in which all contenders are content that they did their best in an environment with clear and consistent rules.

Is Montessori good for children with learning disabilities? What about gifted children?2022-09-05T12:46:33-04:00

Montessori is designed to help all children reach their fullest potential at their own unique pace. A classroom whose children have varying abilities is a community in which everyone learns from one another and everyone contributes. Moreover, multi-age grouping allows each child to find his or her own pace without feeling “ahead” or “behind” in relation to peers.

Is Montessori right for my child?2022-09-05T13:06:06-04:00

Montessori schools are not a traditional daycare facility. Read about the difference between a traditional daycare and a Montessori program here. While we welcome all applications for admission, the school is selective in admitting students whose parents share in the school’s mission and believe in the Montessori philosophy of early childhood education. If you have previously experienced Montessori, or are new to Montessori and would like to learn more about the Montessori method and philosophy, we invite you to submit an application and visit the school.

Prepare your child for life.

Is your child a dreamer? A builder? A thinker? A storyteller? An explorer?

At Pearlily Montessori, we educate children 3-6 years old and support them in becoming independent, responsible students who love to learn. Learn more about:

Our Mission

The Prepared Environment

Our Early Childhood Program

To grasp the essence of a Montessori education, just step inside a classroom.

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