Pinewoods Montessori
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How do Montessori schools and traditional schools compare?

People often ask, what makes Montessori different? How does it compare to traditional education, or public schools?

Montessori schools are different because Dr. Montessori disagreed with the idea that all children learn in the exact same way at the exact same time of their life. 


Education is not about saying, "It is the 4th day, of the 3rd month, of second grade, so open your math book to page 49." Instead, we observe each child and ask, "What does this child understand? What is the next concept this child needs to learn? In which way does this child learn? Are they observers? Talkers? Someone who needs to physically experience things? Do colors make things more clear? How about singing a song about the concept, will that help this particular child learn? What things interest this child so that I can use his/her natural interests and abilities to teach this concept that they need to know?"

Montessori Schools vs. Traditional Schools

Comparison chart

MONTESSORI TRADITIONAL
Focus first on respect, caring and love of learning Focus first on academic success
Mixed age grouping Same age grouping
Teacher has an unobtrusive role in classroom Teacher is center of classroom as "controller"
Mainly individual instruction Mainly group instruction
Child chooses own work Curriculum is structured for the child
Child can work where he chooses, move around and talk at will (yet not disturb the work of others); group work is voluntary Child is usually assigned his/her own chair; encouraged to participate, sit still and listen during group sessions
Child discovers own concepts from self teaching materials Child is guided to concepts by the teacher
Child works as long as he wishes on chosen project Child is generally allotted specific time for work
Child sets own learning pace Instruction pace is usually set by group norm
Child spots own errors from feedback of material If work is corrected, errors are usually pointed out by the teacher
Child reinforces own learning by repetition of work and internal feelings of success Learning is reinforced externally by repetition and rewards
Environment and method encourage self-discipline Teacher is primary enforcer of discipline
Grouping encourages children to teach and help each other Most teaching is done by teacher
Multi-sensory materials for physical exploration Fewer materials for sensory development
Organized program for learning care of self and environment Less emphasis on self-care instruction
Organized program for parents to understand the Montessori philosophy and participate in the learning process Voluntary parent involvement
Schedule a tour of the school and classroom observation
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109 Millstone Drive 
Hillsborough, NC 27278

Paul Raymond- Director of Admissions​paul.raymond@pinewoodsmontessori.com
(919) 644-2090 ext 206
  • Explore
    • Welcome to Pinewoods
    • About Montessori
    • Programs >
      • Toddler
      • Primary
      • Lower Elementary
      • Upper Elementary
      • Summer Camp 2023
      • Extended Day
    • Educators
    • Board of Directors
    • Testimonials
  • Apply
    • Admissions Steps
    • Tuition
  • Join Our Team
    • Immediate Openings
    • Openings for 23-24
  • Pinewoods Community
    • Community of Belonging
    • PTO
    • Calendar
    • Forms/Information
    • COVID-19 Information
  • Contact