Figuring out your child’s educational needs and deciding how they will be filled can be quite a challenge. Some children learn best in a conventional school environment, while others flourish in a more nontraditional setting. Montessori education has its fair share of detractors and supporters and as such, the time has come for a much closer examination of its advantages and disadvantages.
List of Pros of Montessori Education
1. Free Spirited Children Thrive
All children are not made to sit inside of a classroom, with their eyes forward for six hours each day. At Montessori schools, children are allowed to roam freely, which greatly enhances a free spirited child’s learning ambitions and gives them a chance to take an ownership role during the educational experience.
2. Cooperative Learning Is Enhanced
While some children are at their best inside of a classroom, learning from a teacher’s instruction, there are also children who are more receptive to lessons that are provided by their peers. Montessori educational institutes do not believe in placing children in groups that are all of the same age. Older children are able to pass down the lessons they have learned to younger students who are receptive.
3. Children Learn As They See Fit
We all remember what it was like to be in school. Some of us would read ahead and learn more about the topic while the teacher was still discussing the older materials, while some students learned at a slower pace. For students who are in the former group, Montessori schools allow them to set their own pace and learn at the speed that makes them most comfortable.
List of Cons of Montessori Education
1. Not Enough Structure
The lack of traditional structure can be unsettling for children who have been raised in a more regimented environment. Depending on the lifestyle a child has lived at home, they may not be ready for a Montessori institution. It is important to consider what will be best for your child’s individual needs before enrolling.
2. Montessori Does Not Provide Continued Education
Should a child truly take to Montessori education, the problem lies in the fact that they will only be able to remain enrolled until the conclusion of 8th grade. This method of education is not available in the high school or college format, which can make the transition to secondary education extremely difficult for a child that becomes accustomed to Montessori rules and regulations.
3. Very Expensive
Montessori schools are certainly not light on the wallet and parents who live in regions with top notch public schools will not typically want to spend the extra money. Financial aid is available, but there is no guarantee that a disadvantaged family will be able to receive a grant that is large enough to cover all of the costs associated with their child’s education.
