- Classrooms are bright and exciting environments suitable for learning. Montessori classrooms are beautiful by design. They are set up in an open style, with work areas throughout the room and materials available on accessible shelving. Most lessons are given to individual children or small groups while other children are working independently. Learning is not based on rote drill and memorization. Montessori schools promote respect for children as unique individuals. The child's social and emotional development along with academic development is of great concern. Montessori schools are supportive schools where children don't get lost in the crowd.
- The Montessori method assumes that children are born intelligent, they simply learn in different ways and progress at their own pace. Multiple intelligences are recognized and encouraged. Students move ahead as quickly as they are ready.
- The classrooms are multi age classes which span three age levels, and children develop close and long term relationships with teachers and classmates. The multi-age classroom encourages a strong sense of community and teachers come to know each child's learning style.
- Texts and workbooks are rarely used because many of the skills and concepts are abstract and a text simply doesn't bring them to life. They experience direct, hands-on contact with either the real thing under study or concrete didactic materials that bring the abstract concepts to life to allow children to learn with a deeper understanding. The child is encouraged to explore and investigation to create his own real life experiences.
- Classrooms are not teacher centered but child centered. This allows students to develop their leader-ship skills and independence. Montessori teachers are known as Directresses as they facilitate learning, coach students and come to know them as friends and mentors.
- Respect for one’s self, for others and for the environment is the foundation for the classroom rules that govern the learning community. The aim of Montessori education is to foster competent, responsible, adaptive citizens who are lifelong learners and problem-solvers.
- The students develop self-discipline and an integral sense of purpose and motivation.
- Montessori students learn to collaborate and work together on major projects. They strive for their personal best in this non-graded environment rather than competing for the highest grade in the class. Students learn that mistakes are natural steps in the learning process.
- Students develop a love of the natural world outdoor education is a very important part of the Montessori curriculum.
- Montessori schools promote diversity in their student body, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and global perspective.
- Peace education is paramount to the Montessori philosophy. Dr. Maria Montessori was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times in her lifetime.
- Families are important in these caring environments.