What are Montessori Elementary Education Pros and Cons?

As a parent, you no doubt want to enroll your child in the best elementary school around. However, it’s not always easy finding the right school. For example, if you choose to go to public school, your local school district automatically assigns you to the school closest to where you live. You do, however, have the choice of enrolling your child in a private or charter school.

One such choice school is a Montessori school. However, before choosing to enroll your child in one, you probably want to weigh the Montessori elementary education pros and cons. Keep reading to find out if Montessori schools are right for you!

Where Should You Enroll Your Child? Montessori Elementary Education Pros and Cons

Pros

• There is an independent learning process. With the Montessori curriculum, teachers serve as observers and facilitators of the learning process. Moreover, teachers encourage children to find activities they enjoy and to pursue them in unique ways. Montessori schools thus recognize that every child is unique and will learn in a way that is particular to him or her. Then teachers encourage them to pursue those interests without interference from others.
• Teachers motivate children to learn. Children are encouraged to develop a love of learning through choice, rather than simply being forced to learn subjects. With traditional schools, children collectively learn the same subject at the same time in the same way. In contrast, the Montessori curriculum teaches in a hands-on approach that teaches children how to love learning.
• Teachers evaluate children individually. Montessori schools believe that learning is an active process. Once a child masters one skill, he or she can move on to the next one. That being said, many of the classrooms include mixed-age groups. When the school groups children based on knowledge rather than age, they have the opportunity to learn at their own pace in a way that suits them best. Moreover, younger children can often learn from older children in the classroom.
• Teachers include value-based learning in multiple subjects. Montessori schools teach with a particular approach to culture. Not only does this enhance students’ knowledge of various subjects, but it also teaches them important values. For example, teachers encourage children to listen to others, respect others’ opinions, and realize that they are not always right. Montessori schools teach these valuable lessons to children even when they are young.
• Homework is rare. Most assignments in Montessori schools are activity- or project-based. This means that these schools will cut worksheets and homework to a minimum if given at all. This means that not only do children learn in a fun, motivational way, but they also have more time to play and simply enjoy being a kid.

Cons

• You have to pay tuition. Montessori schools have high-quality learning materials and quality, in-depth learning. Though this is a huge plus, it also means there is tuition to pay for it. Expect to invest a fee for your child to attend and thrive at a quality Montessori school.
• Freedom isn’t always best. Students must be self-motivated to be successful. While Montessori schools strive to teach this skill to children, it might not work for everyone. The Montessori method states that all children learn differently. Therefore, if your child learns best in an environment with a more structured curriculum rather than a choice-based one, you may want to consider public, charter, or other private options.
• It’s harder adapting to traditional schools after Montessori. Because children are used to a free way of learning in Montessori schools, they may have a difficult time adapting to a traditional school after their Montessori elementary experience. The structured learning environments of a traditional school may be difficult for them to get used to. As a result, it may become difficult for them to follow strict rules and concentrate on “boring” assignments.
• It can be hard actually finding a Montessori school. Out of the 4,000+ Montessori schools in the United States, only about 25% of them actually use the Montessori method. Therefore, you need to know what to look for in Montessori schools so you know for sure that your child is enrolled in an accredited Montessori school.

Find a Montessori School Near You!

Now that you’ve evaluated the Montessori elementary education pros and cons, you have to find an accredited school near you!

Houston, TX is home to one of the best Montessori schools: Smaller Scholars Montessori Academy. This is an accredited Montessori school that works to teach children how to help, care for, and learn from one another. Contact them today for more information!