But does it work? Montessori outcomes
Parents of Montessori students can see its benefits every day in the happiness of their children and their excitement for school. But what does that mean for the long term and is there proof that Montessori really “works?”
These questions are being affirmatively answered in a growing body of peer-reviewed research confirming the advantages of Montessori education for children from preschool all the way through high school:
- A longitudinal study of public Montessori schools in South Carolina found a higher percentage of students in Montessori programs met or exceeded state performance benchmarks in language arts, math, science, and social studies, and showed faster growth in language arts over the course of the study.
Does a Montessori model work in public schools?
- A three-year study of public Montessori schools in Hartford, Conn., found that Montessori children rated higher in academic achievement, social cognition, mastery orientation and school enjoyment than students in traditional classrooms. Even more important, the study found that Montessori closed the achievement gap between low income and more advantaged children.
Montessori education elevates and equalizes outcomes
- A comparison of middle school students in traditional and Montessori programs found the Montessori students experienced higher levels of achievement, superior talent development and higher levels of interest and intrinsic motivation.
- The Center for Montessori Education in the Public Sector compiles peer-reviewed research on Montessori. You can learn more here.
- A comprehensive look at the research supporting Montessori education can be found in “Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius” by Angeline Stoll Lillard. Lillard presents the research behind eight insights that are foundations of Montessori education, describing how each of these insights is applied in the Montessori classroom. The book offers a clear understanding of what happens in a Montessori classroom and, more important, why it happens and why it works. Amid the clamor for evidence-based education, Lillard presents the studies that show how children learn best, makes clear why many traditional practices come up short, and describes an ingenious alternative that works. Copies of the book are available in the MMS office or on Amazon. This is a must-read for every parent!
