Myth: All Montessori schools are part of one, cohesive Montessori organization that accredits all Montessori schools.

Fact: Each Montessori school is an independent operator, and many are not accredited by any Montessori organization. The name “Montessori” was never trademarked, so any school can choose to self-identify as Montessori. That’s why it is critical for parents to research and visit each school to understand how the Montessori approach is being implemented in that school, and to investigate whether the school is accredited.

Myth: In Montessori schools, children can do whatever they want.

Fact: Children are given freedom to choose their activities within clearly defined boundaries and rules of behavior in Montessori schools that adhere closely to core Montessori principles. The goal is to allow children to follow their natural interests and build independence, while guiding and encouraging them to progress in all areas of learning.

Myth: Montessori schools are purely academic with little time for socialization or free play.

Fact: Montessori schools are committed to fostering development of the whole child, addressing their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical needs. It’s true, Maria Montessori called children’s learning activities “work,” because she saw learning as the central feature of a child’s daily life, just as “work” is the central feature of adults’ lives. Use of the term “work” has sometimes led to a misunderstanding of what children do in a Montessori school. The highly interactive, experiential nature of learning in a Montessori school is, in fact, much closer to what children would call “play,” because they are choosing to do it, are engaged and absorbed in their activity, and because they love doing it! Indeed, as Dr. Montessori observed, children are born with an innate desire to learn. In addition, children in Montessori schools often work and socialize in pairs or small groups, and freely play and interact with others during recess periods.

Myth: Montessori schools are religious schools.

Fact: Montessori schools have no religious affiliation, unless an individual school chooses to integrate religion into its program. On the contrary, Maria Montessori was a pioneer for multi-culturalism and the value of diversity. Children in Montessori schools learn to respect differences and to celebrate the uniqueness of different cultures and peoples.

Myth: Montessori schools serve only young children.

Fact: Montessori schools exist throughout the country for children from infancy through high school. Maria Montessori’s early work began with young children, but educators quickly learned that her insights had broad application to children of all ages.

Myth: Montessori schools may not prepare students for rigorous academic settings as well as other independent or public schools.

Fact: Montessori students typically perform exceptionally well on measures of academic performance. And while it’s true that Montessori schools define success much more broadly and, at times, in different ways than traditional schools do, Montessori students nevertheless tend to perform exceptionally well in school and later in life. They do so because they have acquired the necessary skills along with the motivation and inspiration to succeed. A landmark study, recently published in the journal Science, provides some strong scientific evidence of the benefits of a Montessori education. In addition, you might be surprised to learn who started out in life with Montessori as their educational foundation.

Myth: Children who attend Montessori schools cannot adjust to the “real world” when they leave.

Fact: Children who move on from Montessori settings typically adapt very well and often shine in their new settings, because much of what they learn in their Montessori experience is foundational. They learn how to learn and how to be independent. They develop self-confidence and learn how to get along with others. In short, they acquire the personal, social, and academic skills that prepare them for any new setting or challenge.