What Is a Montessori School?

If you are a parent exploring different education options for your child, you may wonder what makes a Montessori school unique. 

A Montessori school is a learning environment that follows the Montessori method, where children learn at their own pace and build skills through hands-on activities. This approach supports your child's independence, curiosity and natural love for learning, which sets it apart from traditional classrooms.

Montessori classrooms are designed to be calm, organised, and focused on the child's needs. Teachers guide rather than lecture, allowing students to make choices and take responsibility for their learning. This structure helps children develop confidence and lifelong habits for success.

If you want to understand how these methods work and why so many families choose Montessori, this guide will give you the key facts to help you decide if it is the right fit for your child.

Fundamentals of Montessori schools

Montessori schools focus on your child's unique path of development, supporting psychological growth, independence and a love for learning. You will find a prepared environment that encourages hands-on activity, with teachers dedicated to helping every learner build life skills and confidence.

Core principles and philosophy

The Montessori method, created by Dr Maria Montessori, is based on the understanding that children have an immense capacity and natural desire to learn from birth. It values the essence of independence and encourages children to explore and grow at their own pace.

Key principles are:

• child-led learning: children choose their own activities from a range of options.
• sensitive periods: teachers observe for times when a child is eager to learn specific skills.
• prepared environment: materials and spaces are set up to support hands-on learning and development.

You will notice that each child is respected as an individual. The approach helps children move towards independence, confidence and deeper understanding as they follow their own interests, strengths and developmental path. The child's psychological development is carefully supported, recognising each stage of growth.

Montessori classroom structure

In a Montessori school, classrooms are carefully organised to help children feel confident and independent. The learning environment is full of purpose-built materials and a wide range of activities. You might see children choosing work from open shelves or engaging in tasks like pouring water, counting beads or exploring puzzles. These activities support practical life, language, maths, science and creative skills.

The classroom is designed to be calm and inviting. The aim is for each child to have freedom within clear boundaries, with space and time to pursue personal interests. Independence is encouraged, and movement is a key part of the learning process.

Role of teachers and staff

Qualified teachers in Montessori schools act as guides, observers and facilitators, rather than traditional instructors. You’ll find that staff nurture each child's curiosity, stepping in to help when necessary.

Staff include not just teachers but nursery assistants and other caring adults. The responsibilities of staff include preparing learning materials, observing children’s progress and ensuring a safe and respectful environment. This team approach supports a child-led learning experience that continues throughout the child’s development.

Staff regularly review and adjust the learning environment. They offer guidance and help children solve problems. You can trust that the focus will always be on helping your child grow into a capable, independent individual.

Montessori schools in the context of education

Montessori schools offer a distinct approach to childhood education by focusing on self-directed, hands-on learning. These schools aim to support children’s individual growth while providing a structured environment that encourages independence and real-world skills.

Comparison with traditional and mainstream education

In Montessori schools, teachers act not only as educators but as guides, allowing students to choose activities based on their interests. Montessori classrooms use hands-on materials to explain abstract concepts, making lessons like river systems or maths more concrete.

While mainstream education often has a limited range of GCSEs or fixed curricula, Montessori education adapts to each child’s development. There is less focus on formal testing and more on understanding how concepts develop in the mind. Montessori education fits well with the needs of the 21st century, emphasising skills such as independence, collaboration and problem-solving.

Age range and school types

Montessori education starts in pre-school and early years settings, sometimes from birth, and can extend into KS1 and KS2 junior schools and secondary school pupils up to age 18. Most often, you’ll find Montessori schools offering primary school programmes covering ages 3-12, like Alleyn Court.

Private schools and independent schools like Alleyn Court are more equipped to deliver Montessori education, thanks to our availability of resources.  In most Montessori schools, young children use child-sized tables and materials designed for their stage of development.

Unlike boarding schools, Montessori settings generally involve day attendance, as well as child care options and a wealth of extracurricular activities.

Montessori curriculum and activities

In the Montessori curriculum, children learn through daily activities that match their interests and needs. The classroom is arranged to allow freedom of movement and choice, with children selecting their own activities from a prepared environment. Teachers have specific teaching qualifications in Montessori methods, focusing on guiding rather than instructing.

Core academic subjects such as maths, language and science are taught through hands-on experiences. For example, maths concepts are taught through physical manipulation with real-world objects. The method encourages acquisition of language and development of concepts at the child’s pace.

Montessori schools often include education on practical life skills, including dressing, food preparation and cleaning. Extracurricular activities such as music, art and sports are also common, helping to create a well-rounded educational setting.

Frequently asked questions

Montessori schools offer a unique approach that focuses on each child’s interests and independence. You can expect differences in teaching styles, classroom setup and how children are supported throughout their learning journey.

How does Montessori education differ from traditional schooling?

In Montessori schools, you will notice a child-centred approach. Children choose their own activities and learn at their own pace. There is theory-based learning and more hands-on learning compared to traditional classrooms.

Traditional schooling often follows a set curriculum with whole-class lessons and timed schedules. In contrast, Montessori education allows for freedom within clear limits, letting children follow their curiosity.

What are the core principles of the Montessori method?

Key principles include respect for the child, independence and self-directed learning. Montessori students learn by doing and are encouraged to make choices about their work.

Teachers create a supportive environment that helps children build confidence and responsibility. Classrooms are designed thoughtfully to encourage peer learning and cooperation. Each child is seen as an individual with unique strengths and interests.

What age groups is Montessori education suitable for?

Montessori education is suitable for children from birth up to age 18, but most commonly it is found at the preschool and primary school levels. Some Montessori schools offer programmes for infants and toddlers, while others go up to secondary school.

The method can be adapted to meet the needs of various age groups. Mixed-age classrooms are common, which helps children learn from each other.

Can Montessori education accommodate children with special needs?

Montessori schools can support children with special needs by offering individualised learning plans and flexible pacing. Teachers pay close attention to each child’s development and adjust activities as required.

The structure of the classroom and the focus on independence can benefit children who need extra help. Collaboration with parents and specialists is often part of the approach, making Montessori a possible option for many families.