Research shows the benefits of Montessori

Wondering what’s really so special about the Montessori method?

It’s okay to be skeptical. But science is on the side of Dr. Montessori and the thousands of Montessori schools around the world.

The flagship study on Montessori was published in the peer-reviewed journal, Science, on September 29, 2006. This study is unique in that it was able to compare a random population of students at Montessori and traditional schools in Milwaukee, WI. In the words of Angeline Lillard, the lead author of the study, “This strategy addressed the concern that parents who seek to enroll their children in a Montessori school are different from parents who do not.”

Among the findings for the preschool age children were positive social effects, such as greater senses of justice and fairness, as well as more emotionally positive play.

Another key aspect:

Among the 5-year-olds, Montessori students proved to be significantly better prepared for elementary school in reading and math skills than the non-Montessori children. They also tested better on “executive function,” the ability to adapt to changing and more complex problems, an indicator of future school and life success. (montessori-science.org)

Read more about the study and find a link to the full text at http://www.montessori-science.org/montessori_science_journal.htm