What are the benefits of a Montessori curriculum for young children?

A Montessori curriculum helps young children build independence, focus, self-control, and academic foundations through hands-on materials and child-led work. A major systematic review found Montessori education has positive impacts on both academic and nonacademic outcomes compared with traditional approaches.

Why parents ask this now

Most parents aren’t looking for “fancier preschool.” They’re looking for a daily environment that teaches a child how to try, stick with it, and feel proud of effort. At Ivybrook Academy, we truly lean into this by acknowledging a child’s environment as their third teacher. Everything in our classroom spaces is designed with the child in mind and all materials and visuals are placed at a child’s level, honoring that space as theirs to explore and own.

Key benefits parents tend to notice first

• Independence that looks like confidence
  • Children practice doing real tasks in a real classroom: choosing work, finishing it, and resetting their space. Over time, that becomes “I can do hard things.”
• Strong attention and follow-through
  • Montessori work cycles are designed to build sustained concentration, which is one reason families often describe Montessori classrooms as calm and purposeful.
• Hands-on learning that sticks
  • Montessori materials are intentionally tactile and sequential, helping children “feel” concepts before they’re asked to perform them abstractly.

What the research says

• A 2023 Campbell systematic review concludes Montessori education shows meaningful positive effects on child outcomes, including academic and nonacademic domains.

• A separate meta-analysis of Montessori studies (1991–2021) also reports measurable effects across multiple developmental dimensions.

(The practical takeaway: quality of implementation matters. A Montessori label is not the same as a Montessori experience.)

What to look for on a tour

• Children choosing work independently (not waiting for the next teacher directive)
• Materials that are organized, accessible, and used with care
• Teachers observing and guiding rather than leading every moment
• A classroom that feels calm, focused, and respectful

How Ivybrook uses Montessori (and where we differ)

At Ivybrook Academy, Montessori is part of a blended approach that also includes Reggio Emilia-inspired collaboration and creativity. The goal is not rigid “one-method purity.” It’s helping children grow into capable, curious learners through multiple pathways.

FAQ

Is Montessori good for shy kids?
Often, yes. Many children gain confidence through predictable routines and independent choice.

Is Montessori play-based?
Montessori uses purposeful, hands-on work that can look different than “free play,” but it’s still developmentally aligned and highly engaging.

What’s the biggest Montessori benefit long-term?
A child’s relationship with learning: “I can focus, I can solve problems, I can try again.”

If you’re exploring Montessori-style learning, schedule a tour to see whether the classroom truly supports independence and sustained attention.