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A new paper published in Frontiers in Psychology provides more evidence that a Montessori education may be superior to traditional methods of education, especially on measures relating to students’ long-term psychological health and well-being.
“Well-being, or the felt experience of health, happiness, and flourishing, predicts several desirable outcomes including better health and work performance, longevity, and more positive social behavior and relations,” say the authors of the research, led by Angeline Lillard of the University of Virginia. “Here we explored whether a different childhood experience, Montessori education, might predict higher adult well-being.”
To test their hypothesis, the researchers recruited 1,905 U.S. adults who attended Montessori or conventional schools, ranging in age from 18 to 81, and had them complete a series of well-being surveys. They compared the survey results of the adults who had attended Montessori schools to those who had attended conventional schools. They found strong evidence of elevated psychological well-being among adults who attended Montessori schools as children.
“What surprised us is that pretty much everything in the sink turned out significant—on almost every survey, people who had spent at least two years in Montessori had higher well-being than people who never went to Montessori,” says Lillard. “This was true even among the sub-sample who attended private schools for their entire pre-college lives. We also found that the longer one had attended a Montessori school, the higher their level of well-being.”
The results held true even when the scientists accounted for other factors known to influence childhood and adult well-being.
“Our analyses controlled for age, race and ethnicity, gender, childhood socioeconomic status (SES), and private schooling, so we can confidently say that none of those factors is causing the results,” says Lillard.
This is good news for the estimated 500,000 children who are currently enrolled in Montessori schools in the United States.
“The Montessori Census currently registers 564 public and 2,211 private Montessori schools, but these are certainly underestimated,” says Lillard. “Most public Montessoris are Title I schools, and over half the children at public Montessori schools are children of color, who particularly thrive at Montessori.”
The authors hope their research inspires more parents to take a closer look at non-traditional educational models, such as Montessori.
“The study is one more data point in a growing body of research suggesting Montessori pedagogy is better for humans than is the common model,” says Lillard. “And, since it is over 100 years since people began implementing Montessori, it has been beta-tested—we know how to implement this pedagogy and are doing so all over the world. More people should know about it.”
What makes this research even more impressive is the relative lack of research on the types of childhood experiences that encourage well-being in adulthood. For instance, one study found that adults who experienced more residential moves as children (i.e., moving from one town to another) are more likely to develop certain psychological and health problems. Beyond that, the findings are scant.
The researchers suggest that a Montessori curriculum boosts childhood and adult well-being by focusing on activities that promote self-determination (children in Montessori classrooms choose their own work most of the time and feel like they are in charge of their own educations), meaningful activities (children only take part in activities for which the underlying reasons are clear), and social stability and cohesion (classrooms span three years during which children have the same teacher and peer group).
“Montessori warrants further study, as it is the most common and long-lasting alternative progressive pedagogy in the world and has several features that are endemic to well-being-enhancing educational environments,” conclude the researchers.
FAQs
In 2021, a team led by well-known Montessori education researcher Angeline Lillard published a paper in the journal Frontiers of Psychology in which they presented survey-based findings that people educated at Montessori schools experience higher levels of well-being as adults.
How do Montessori kids turn out as adults? ›
A Montessori education has been linked to elevated psychological well-being as an adult. One reason is that children in Montessori schools are allowed to choose their own work and participate in meaningful activities. They also experience greater social stability and cohesion in their classes.
What are the long term effects of Montessori school? ›
The research uncovered that those who attended more years of Montessori schooling were significantly more likely to have better psychological health — in particular, higher levels of emotional stability and life satisfaction.
Are Montessori children successful later in life? ›
Research studies show that Montessori children are well prepared for later life academically, socially, and emotionally.
What is the personality of a Montessori child? ›
Creative/inventive: Maria Montessori said that everything the child does is creative. It is the creative mind that harnesses all of its power to solve problems. The creative powers of the children help them solve problems throughout their stay in the Montessori classroom.
Are Montessori kids happier? ›
In 2021, a team led by well-known Montessori education researcher Angeline Lillard published a paper in the journal Frontiers of Psychology in which they presented survey-based findings that people educated at Montessori schools experience higher levels of well-being as adults.
Do Montessori students do better in life? ›
Analysing their progress at age five, Lillard found that the children who went to the Montessori school tended to have better literacy, numeracy, executive function and social skills, compared to those who had attended the other schools. And at age 12, they showed better story-telling abilities.
How long should kids stay in Montessori? ›
The Montessori Method is also known for its 3-year cycle of learning. Children stay together, often with the same teacher, for that extended period, getting to know one another and themselves as they grow.
Is Montessori good for Mental Health? ›
Similarly, many Montessori practices encourage the development of empathy and help children identify their own feelings, contributing to emotional wellness.
Do Montessori kids do better in college? ›
The Montessori Philosophy focuses on the long-term goals for students so they are prepared for college and beyond. A Montessori education will serve students well in college because there is a focus on mastery for each student. Students in the Montessori classroom are provided with individualized learning plans.
Because 90% of a child's brain development happens before age 6, many parents want to start Montessori before age 6 for maximum benefit. If you're considering a Montessori daycare or preschool for your child, we'd love to meet you and show you our school.
What age does Montessori stop? ›
Currently, most Montessori programs begin at the Early Childhood level (for children ages 2.5 – 6 years). However there are also programs for infants and toddlers (birth – age 3), Elementary-aged children (ages 6 – 12), and Secondary students (ages 12 – 18).
What type of child thrives in Montessori? ›
Montessori education sparks curiosity in children by allowing them to explore and discover the world around them in a hands-on, experiential way. Naturally curious children who desire to learn will thrive in a Montessori environment. Montessori education also emphasizes collaboration and social skills.
Is Montessori good or bad for kids? ›
Rather than being detrimental, the Montessori method promotes independence, self-discipline, critical thinking, and a love for learning. It fosters a holistic approach to education that respects the individuality of each child and prepares them for success in various educational settings and real-world scenarios.
Does Montessori lack structure? ›
Myth #2: “Montessori is a strict, structured program.” Interestingly enough, since some believe Montessori Education lacks structure altogether, others believe that the method is too strict. Montessori classrooms do embody an inherent structure and order, but this is only one part of the approach.
Do Montessori kids turn out better? ›
Analysing their progress at age five, Lillard found that the children who went to the Montessori school tended to have better literacy, numeracy, executive function and social skills, compared to those who had attended the other schools. And at age 12, they showed better story-telling abilities.
What is the Montessori theory for adults? ›
Self-care: Montessori principles emphasize the importance of self-care as a foundational aspect of well-being. Adults can prioritize self-care by setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and engaging in activities that nourish their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
What is the Montessori way of upbringing? ›
In order to be a “Montessori Parent”, you must: Respect your child as both the person they are and the person they are becoming. Your child may be small, naïve and inexperienced, yet they are at the same time a fully realized human being (main difference from an adult being the enormous amount of potential they hold!).
What is the transformation of the adult Montessori? ›
Montessori says that there is communication from one soul to another, and this brings about the transformation of the adult. 'This feeling of love is a connection between Souls. The Soul of the child begins to blend with the Soul of the teacher and the child becomes obedient.
