Montessori Education

History of Montessori

The Montessori method of education was founded by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, in the early 20th century. She was the first woman in Italy to receive a medical degree, and her groundbreaking work in child development and education has had a lasting impact worldwide. Montessori’s approach was revolutionary. She emphasized child-centered learning, hands-on activities, and the development of independence and self-discipline. Her philosophy was based on the belief that children learn best in a supportive, prepared environment that encourages exploration and creativity.

Detailed Biography of Maria Montessori you can find here.

Montessori education has been implemented in diverse settings around the world, and it is highly adaptable to various geographical, cultural, and linguistic contexts. Recent estimates suggest there are more than 15,000 Montessori schools globally. Montessori education is gaining traction in Portugal, with around a dozen schools operating nationwide.

Differences Montessori vs. Traditional School

A Montessori environment is welcoming and feels more like a home rather than a traditional school setting. Instead of rows of desks or a teacher lecturing at the front of the classroom, you will observe children joyfully engaging in activities, either independently or in small groups.

Active vs. Passive Learning: Montessori is a self-guided, hands-on approach to education.

Individual Learning vs. Set Curriculum: Montessori allows children to learn at their own pace based on their interests, unlike traditional methods where lessons are standardized for all students.

Internal vs. External Validation: Montessori students experience internal satisfaction from mastering skills, rather than relying on external rewards. (No Grades)

The Physical Environment: Montessori classrooms are flexible, often referred to as “labs,” designed to inspire exploration and adapt to new materials or subjects. Traditional classrooms tend to remain static.

“I benefited from Montessori education, which in some ways gives students a lot more freedom to do things at their own pace, to discover… Some of the credit for the willingness to pursue your own interests can be traced back to Montessori education”

Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Montessori alumni and founders of Google

How It Works

Children receive one-on-one lessons from the Guide on using materials, then explore them independently. Materials are self-correcting, and peers often assist each other. This promotes iterative learning and concentration, leading to satisfaction and confidence, while fostering social cohesion.

A key feature of the Montessori Method is the uninterrupted “work” session, allowing children to focus deeply on tasks without interruptions. This time block supports natural concentration and engagement with a variety of activities.

Children have flexibility in choosing activities and can work alone or collaboratively, balanced by clear classroom rules, called: Freedom within Limits.

What Parents Say About Montessori

Parents appreciate Montessori education for its emphasis on independence, creativity, and critical thinking. They value the ability for their children to learn at their own pace in a nurturing environment. Many have observed that their children develop strong problem-solving skills, a genuine love for learning, and improved social abilities. The hands-on activities and real-world applications enable children to grasp complex concepts while fostering responsibility and confidence.