Montessori School Evaluation: How to Choose the Right One

Unfortunately, no one holds exclusive rights to the name or philosophy of Maria Montessori. This lack of ownership means that anyone can establish a school or daycare, implement Montessori activities, and label themselves as a Montessori school. While there are many exceptional, well-run Montessori schools, there are also those that do not adhere to true Montessori education standards. So, how can a parent effectively navigate the process of choosing a Montessori school that genuinely aligns with the Montessori philosophy?

Here are some very important factors to consider when selecting a Montessori school for your child.

Facility: The facility should feature the appropriate Montessori Infant/Toddler and Preschool classrooms. These rooms ought to be equipped with traditional Montessori activities and proper furniture that supports the class program. A key distinction between a daycare and a Montessori school is the limited presence of toys, as toys are not typically utilized in the Montessori teaching method. The classroom should be neat, organized, and free from clutter. Additionally, the school must have a license from state childcare licensing and be fully insured. The Peace Rose Montessori School boasts a modern 7,000-square-foot facility with designated Infant, Toddler, and Preschool classrooms, along with two spacious playgrounds for Infants and Preschoolers.

School Directors: For a school to function genuinely as a Montessori institution, the director should possess a Montessori certificate (AMI, AMS, or MACTE) along with classroom experience. Ideally, the owners should also hold similar certifications and share classroom experience. Miss Carmen is both the primary owner and director, certified in AMS, and has spent 16 years as an AMS teacher/director. Her education and experience provide valuable support to teachers, parents, and students. They are also required to adhere to strict guidelines to achieve licensing from the NJ Dept of Children and Families Office of Licensing. Be proactive and ask to see their certificates, as the quality of your child’s Montessori education is deeply connected to the knowledge and commitment of the school’s director.

Montessori Teachers: The toddler, primary, and elementary teachers must hold a Montessori certificate (AMI, AMS, or MACTE).

Stability of the Staff: Many schools may appear beautiful at first glance but suffer from internal conflict. Therefore, inquire about how long the directors have been there, whether they have ownership interest, and ask about the head teachers and assistants and their qualifications.

Read Internet Reviews: While companies cannot shield themselves from negative reviews, the feedback should be overwhelmingly positive. If you encounter a negative review, discuss it with the school you are interviewing and hear their perspective on that specific feedback.

Parent Recommendations: The most trustworthy reviews come from past and present parents. Request to speak with parents who can share their recommendations.

Class Schedule: Maria Montessori emphasized the importance of a full, uninterrupted three-hour work cycle for children. Many schools and daycares disrupt children's concentration for various activities, hindering normalization and focus. A school that respects this three-hour work cycle fosters a productive environment where children are engaged and content. Subjects such as art, science, and others should seamlessly integrate into the Montessori classroom as part of the work cycle, while group activities should occur outside of this cycle.

Mixed Age Groups: An essential element of the Montessori environment is the inclusion of children of varying ages within the classroom. Maria Montessori identified that children progress through natural developmental planes in approximately three-year cycles. Observing younger children learn from older peers is a wonderful experience, as older students also benefit by nurturing their younger classmates, reinforcing their own knowledge. Ideally, children should remain with the same teacher for the full three years to foster a trusting and respectful relationship.

Homework: There should be no homework assigned, even in the elementary grades. If children have had a productive day completing their work, they should return home to enjoy family time and after-school activities. Assigning homework can be counterproductive, adding stress for both children and parents, just as we try not to bring work home.

Motivation: In line with Montessori philosophy, there should also be no grades, stickers, or other rewards. The greatest motivation for a child comes from the pride they feel in completing a task successfully!

Observe the Classrooms: To truly evaluate the quality of the school, especially the classroom your child will attend, schedule a time to sit in and observe. Compare what you've learned about Montessori education standards with your observations in different schools and classrooms. This may not be available during Covid but will resume once state permissions are granted.

How does the teacher interact with the children, and how do the children engage with her?

How do the children relate to each other?

Is the learning environment inviting, beautiful, clean, organized, and uncluttered?

A child should feel at home in their environment, comfortable and secure.

Montessori Materials: A fully outfitted classroom with all the wooden Montessori materials is essential. As you explore various Montessori schools, you'll quickly notice the differences, even without an equipment checklist. 

Choose the Montessori school that best meets these essential criteria. Sometimes, the school you choose may be less convenient to your home or slightly more expensive than others, but the investment is worth it. By considering these questions, the process of choosing the right Montessori school becomes much less daunting.

Good luck!

Carmen Melendez

Director/Owner The Peace Rose Montessori School