What is a Montessori School? A Guide to the Method & Benefits

If you're a parent in Wilmington exploring preschool options, you've likely come across the term "Montessori." It's a popular educational choice, yet many parents still have questions about what it means and how it works. Is it a specific curriculum? A style of play? A franchise?

The short answer is that Montessori is a method of education that looks quite different from a traditional classroom. Instead of a teacher at the front of the room directing the entire class, a Montessori environment is designed to allow children to learn at their own pace, guided by their natural interests.

At The Children’s Schoolhouse, we've spent 40 years seeing this method in action. If you are trying to decide if this approach is right for your family, here's a straightforward look at what defines a Montessori school.

It starts with the child, not the teacher.

The Montessori method was developed in the early 1900s by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator. Through her scientific observations of children, she found that they're naturally eager to learn and capable of initiating that learning when they're in the right environment.

In our classrooms, the teacher acts as a guide rather than a lecturer. You won't see rows of desks facing a chalkboard. Instead, you'll see open spaces with distinct learning areas. Children move freely, choosing activities that interest them—whether that's a math lesson or a practical life skill—and working on them until they have mastered the concept.

This self-directed approach helps children build concentration, self-discipline, and a genuine love for learning that lasts long after they leave preschool.

Key Elements of a Montessori Classroom

A Montessori classroom is often referred to as a "prepared environment." Everything in the room has a specific purpose and is accessible to the children. Here are three core components you will find at The Children's Schoolhouse:

1. Practical Life Activities

We believe independence builds confidence. In our Primary Montessori Class, children engage in Practical Life work, such as spooning, pouring, and polishing. These might seem like simple chores, but they help build fine motor skills, coordination, and the ability to care for themselves and their environment.

2. Hands-On Learning Materials

Montessori education makes abstract concepts concrete. When learning math, for example, children use manipulatives (such as beads or rods) to see and feel quantities. As our curriculum outlines, this allows a young child to understand the "how" and "why" of addition and subtraction before they ever have to write it down on paper.

3. Grace and Courtesy

Social skills are just as important as academic ones. We dedicate time to Grace and Courtesy lessons, where children role-play real-life scenarios. They learn to greet one another, resolve conflicts, and use polite language such as "please" and "thank you."

Common Questions

Is it just unstructured play?

No. While it may appear to be play because the children are enjoying themselves, every activity is a carefully designed learning tool. As Dr. Montessori noted, "Play is the work of the child." The activities are purposeful and lead to specific educational outcomes.

Why are the classes mixed-age?

Our classrooms typically mix ages, such as 3 to 6-year-olds. This structure mirrors the real world. Younger children learn by observing older students, while older students reinforce their learning by serving as leaders and mentors to younger students.

Will my child be ready for kindergarten?

Absolutely. The Montessori method prepares children not only academically but also socially and emotionally. By the time they graduate, our students have developed the focus, independence, and social skills necessary to thrive in a traditional kindergarten setting and beyond.

The Children’s Schoolhouse Approach

Choosing a school is one of the most significant decisions you will make for your child. For four decades, The Children’s Schoolhouse has provided a nurturing, authentic Montessori education right here in Wilmington.

Under the guidance of Lucy and our experienced staff, we strive to create a space where every child feels valued. We focus on meeting each student where they are, helping them develop the skills they need to become confident, independent learners.

Visit Our Classroom

The best way to understand the Montessori difference is to see it for yourself. We invite you to schedule a tour, meet our team, and observe how our students learn and grow.

Schedule a Tour