What does a public Montessori school look like?

Today the Montessori method is an internationally recognized mode of education. Teachers’ certification, classroom operation, and appropriate curriculum are well established. The successful academic outcome of a complete elementary program is well documented around the world. ​The National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector created a series of short videos that illustrate key elements of Montessori. Each video featured here takes you inside a Montessori classroom. These videos were filmed and edited by Rob Silcox on location at Annie Fisher Montessori Magnet School in Hartford, CT. 

Her methods are based in the belief that children are natural learners and that in the right environment, educational materials will spontaneously arouse interest and, therefore, learning.

Montessori materials present concepts in concrete forms allowing children to master a set progression of skills and learning objectives. When studying geometry, for instance, children can hold the shapes in their hands; when learning geography, they work with puzzle maps; in learning math concepts, they work with blocks scaled to represent numbers in a tangible form.

Through their work, the children develop concentration and joyful self-discipline. Within a framework of order, the children progress at their own pace and rhythm, according to their individual capabilities.

Each day's schedule includes three hours of uninterrupted time for students to engage in individual and small group work of their choice, with guidance from the teachers. Students receive lessons in the use of materials individually or in small groups.

The children maintain the classroom and materials, and participate in developing class rules, which develops a sense of individual responsibility and self-esteem.