Montessori FAQ

What is the difference
between Montessori and
traditional education?

Montessori education differs from traditional education in its child-centered, hands-on learning approach. At Silver Ridge Montessori, children learn at their own pace, choosing activities that interest them while developing independence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Unlike traditional education, which follows a structured curriculum with teacher-led instruction, Montessori classrooms offer a flexible, mixed-age environment where students collaborate, explore, and discover through sensory-rich materials. Teachers act as guides rather than lecturers, fostering a love for learning rather than rote memorization. This method nurtures creativity, curiosity, and confidence, preparing children not just for academics but for life.

Why does Montessori have
multi-age classrooms?

Montessori classrooms are multi-age to foster collaboration, mentorship, and individualized learning. At Silver Ridge Montessori, children of different ages learn together in three-year cycles, allowing younger students to observe and learn from older peers, while older students reinforce their knowledge by teaching younger ones. This natural social structure builds confidence, leadership, and empathy, while also allowing children to progress at their own pacerather than being restricted by grade levels. Unlike traditional classrooms, where all children follow the same lesson at the same time, Montessori’s multi-age approach encourages peer learning, independence, and a strong sense of community.

Is Montessori good for
children with learning
disabilities? What about gifted children?

Yes, Montessori education is highly beneficial for both children with learning disabilities and gifted children because it is individualized, flexible, and child-centered. At Silver Ridge Montessori, students learn at their own pace, allowing children with learning challenges to receive the time and support they need without pressure, while gifted children can advance beyond traditional grade levels without being held back. The hands-on, multi-sensory materials help children with different learning styles, and the self-directed approach fosters confidence and independence. Because Montessori focuses on strengths rather than limitations, it creates an inclusive, supportive environmentwhere every child can thrive, regardless of their learning abilities.

Are Montessori schools
religious?

Montessori schools are not inherently religious, though some may incorporate religious teachings based on their affiliation. At Silver Ridge Montessori, we follow the authentic Montessori philosophy, which is secular and focused on child-centered, hands-on learning. The Montessori method emphasizes independence, respect, and global awareness, making it adaptable to various cultural and spiritual backgrounds. While some private Montessori schools may integrate religious instruction, the core Montessori approach remains neutral, inclusive, and focused on fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and personal growth.

Is Montessori a franchise?
Who can open a
Montessori school?

No, Montessori is not a franchise—it is an educational philosophy rather than a trademarked system. This means that anyone can open a school and call it Montessori, but the level of authenticity varies. At Silver Ridge Montessori, we follow the true Montessori method, using certified Montessori materials, trained educators, and child-centered learning principles. To open a Montessori school, it’s recommended to seek accreditation from organizations like AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) or AMS (American Montessori Society) to ensure quality and authenticity. A genuine Montessori school requires proper training, thoughtfully designed environments, and a commitment to fostering independence, creativity, and lifelong learning in children.

Who accredits Montessori
schools?

Montessori schools can seek accreditation from several reputable organizations to ensure they meet authentic Montessori standards. The two most recognized accrediting bodies are:• Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) – Founded by Dr. Maria Montessori, AMI upholds strict adherence to the original Montessori philosophy, focusing on authentic materials, teacher training, and child-centered learning.• American Montessori Society (AMS) – AMS allows for a more flexible interpretation of Montessori principles, integrating modern educational practices while maintaining core Montessori values.
Other organizations, such as the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE), also accredit teacher training programs. At Silver Ridge Montessori, we follow high-quality Montessori principles to ensure an authentic, enriching learning experience for every child.

Isn’t Montessori just a
preschool?

No, Montessori is not just a preschool—it is a comprehensive educational philosophy that serves children from infancy through adolescence. While many Montessori schools, including Silver Ridge Montessori, offer early childhood programs, Montessori education also extends to elementary, middle, and even high school levels. The approach remains the same across all ages: hands-on, self-paced learning, multi-age classrooms, and a focus on independence and critical thinking. Unlike traditional schools, Montessori encourages lifelong curiosity, problem-solving, and real-world skills, making it a holistic education system rather than just a preschool method.

If children are free to
choose their own work,
how do you ensure that
they receive a well-
rounded education?

At Silver Ridge Montessori, while children have the freedom to choose their own work, the environment is carefully structured to ensure they receive a well-rounded education. Montessori teachers, known as guides, observe each child’s progress and gently redirect them to explore a variety of subjects, ensuring they engage with language, math, science, cultural studies, and practical life skills. The Montessori materials are designed to naturally build upon one another, guiding children toward more complex concepts as they progress. Additionally, through multi-age classrooms, peer learning helps expose children to different areas of study. This balance of freedom and structure ensures that every child develops academically, socially, and emotionally in a well-rounded way.

Montessori classrooms
don’t look like regular
classrooms. Where are the
rows of desks? Where does
the teacher stand?

Montessori classrooms are intentionally designed differently from traditional classrooms to foster independence, collaboration, and hands-on learning. At Silver Ridge Montessori, you won’t find rows of desks or a teacher lecturing at the front of the room. Instead, the classroom is arranged into carefully prepared learning areas, featuring low open shelves with hands-on materials, child-sized tables, floor mats for independent work, and cozy reading corners.
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Teachers, known as guides, do not stand at the front giving lectures. Instead, they move throughout the room, observing, guiding, and giving one-on-one or small-group lessons based on each child’s needs. This setup encourages exploration, self-directed learning, and meaningful engagement, making Montessori classrooms feel more like active, home-like learning communities rather than traditional lecture-based environments.

Are Montessori schools as
academically rigorous as
traditional schools?

Yes, Montessori schools are academically rigorous, but in a different way than traditional schools. At Silver Ridge Montessori, academic learning is hands-on, self-paced, and deeply engaging, rather than based on rote memorization or standardized testing. Montessori students explore math, language, science, and cultural studies through multi-sensory materials, allowing them to master concepts at a deeper level.
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Rather than focusing on grades and lectures, Montessori fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application, making learning more meaningful and long-lasting. Students often progress beyond traditional grade levels in subjects they excel in, while receiving individualized support in areas where they need more time. This approach ensures that academic excellence is paired with creativity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Since Montessori
classrooms emphasize
non-competitiveness, how
are students adequately
prepared for real-life
competition later on?

At Silver Ridge Montessori, we emphasize personal growth, intrinsic motivation, and collaboration rather than direct competition. However, this does not mean that Montessori students are unprepared for real-life competition. Instead of being motivated by grades, rankings, or external rewards, Montessori students develop self-discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic, which are crucial for long-term success.
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Through self-paced learning, goal-setting, and problem-solving challenges, students build confidence and adaptability skills that help them thrive in competitive environments later in life. Additionally, Montessori students engage in teamwork, leadership roles, and real-world projects, preparing them for both cooperative and competitive situations in higher education and professional careers. By focusing on self-improvement and mastery, Montessori education equips children with the tools to excel in any competitive setting without relying on artificial pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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