Each Montessori school has its own ‘personality’. For example, some are more academically oriented, while others more strongly emphasize the child’s connection to nature and the outdoors. Parents should discuss the school’s mission and programs with the admissions director to ensure that the school is a good fit for their child and their family.

Parents should observe at a school before selecting it for their child, preferably in the classroom their child will attend. Most Montessori schools welcome observers, and the children are accustomed to visitors. The visitor is typically directed to a chair where they sit and observe the entire room. Observations usually last thirty minutes to an hour, and allow the observer to get a feel for the room. Consider asking to observe at a school more than once; every day is unique! 

Although every classroom is a little different, there are some general traits that indicate a quality Montessori environment:

• The teacher has received quality Montessori training

• The children seem generally happy and relaxed

• The children independently select activities from the shelf and use them with concentration

• The environment seems orderly and the materials in good condition

• Most interactions between children are positive, but in cases where they are not positive, the children generally resolve the problem by themselves

• The children are treated with respect by all adults

There is no trademark or governing body to ensure the quality of Montessori schools. In 1929, Maria Montessori became aware that there were a growing number of schools using the term “Montessori” to describe their environments, with little evidence of Montessori principles. To prevent this, she attempted to trademark her name, but it was decided by the courts that the term Montessori was already in the public domain. As a result, any school can label itself a ‘Montessori school’ regardless of teacher training.

Maria Montessori created the Association Montessori Internationale to protect the integrity of her work. Today, schools with AMI-trained teachers have met the high standards for teacher training that Maria Montessori set down over eighty years ago.

Observing and working with real children in real classrooms is a critical component of AMI teacher training. We are deeply grateful to the schools and staff who have participated in Observation and Practice Teaching by hosting MNW teachers in training. Some states have associations or organizations that compile lists of Montessori schools. An internet search should locate one for your state, if it exists. In the state of Oregon, the Oregon Montessori Association provides a list of its member schools.

The preparation of the child’s environment will change as he grows older. When the child is very young, the emphasis is on safety, increasing independence, and access to appropriate toys and activities. For example, a young child might have a low table in the kitchen on which a glass and a small pitcher with water are available at all times. This allows the child to get a drink of water herself whenever she is thirsty. This kind of preparation of the home environment can be repeated in many ways, and mirrors closely the self-directed experiences the child has in the Montessori classroom.

Children feel great satisfaction when they are included in family tasks. From setting the table, to folding the laundry, to raking leaves, fostering your child’s genuine interest in contributing to family life benefits everyone. The child feels confidence and self-worth at having contributed, and parents set up an expectation from an early age that everyone helps around the house.

Encouraging your child to make choices at an early age is one of the most powerful gifts a parent can offer. Giving choices fosters independence, cooperation and experience with natural consequences. This can be done in many ways. For a very young child, it can be as simple as, “Would you like to wear the blue shirt or the red shirt today?” This technique of offering choices can be extended into all parts of the child’s life, growing in relation to her abilities, and leading to development of executive function and self-regulation.