As parents, choosing the right educational path for your child is one of your most important decisions.
Still, many parents who have experienced both types of education agree—it is an advantageous move for both children and families. At School in the Hills, students enjoy an environment that nurtures independence, builds resilience, and encourages a lifelong love of learning. Below are key benefits to expect from a Montessori education and why it might be just what your child needs to thrive.
Uninterrupted Three-Hour Work Cycle
A focused experience improves the student’s ability to sustain focus, increase retention, and ultimately instill a greater love for learning.
Traditional schools divide subjects into short, scheduled time blocks, often disrupting a child’s focus and flow. In contrast, Montessori education uses a three-hour, uninterrupted work cycle. This extended block of time allows children to engage with their work deeply, fostering stronger concentration, problem-solving, and perseverance. Rather than rushing through topics, students have the time to explore and ultimately truly understand the concepts they’re working on.
Multi-Age Classrooms
Students are encouraged to explore subjects at their own pace and level of interest while learning from older children or acting as mentors to younger students.
Our students are placed in mixed-age classrooms at School in the Hills, an essential component of the Montessori method. While traditional schools group children strictly by age/level, Montessori classrooms foster a collaborative, multi-grade learning environment. Older students act as mentors, helping younger children and reinforcing their own learning in the process. This peer teaching builds leadership skills, boosts confidence, and allows for a broader range of lessons.
Individualized Instruction
In a Montessori classroom, learning is personalized and tailored to each child’s unique style and pace.
Traditional schools often rely on a one-size-fits-all curriculum, but Montessori focuses on individualized instruction that enables children to progress based on their understanding rather than their age. For instance, math lessons are often delivered one-on-one, with the teacher carefully assessing each child’s understanding and adjusting the lesson accordingly. This personalized approach helps children grasp concepts, fostering self-confidence and a deep mastery of skills.
Development of Executive Functioning Skills Through Work Plans
Individualized student plans allow children to manage their own learning, which encourages a sense of independence and responsibility.
Another key feature of Montessori education is the use of personalized work plans. Students choose when and how to complete each task, which helps them develop crucial executive functioning skills like time management, organization, and self-discipline. Students regularly reflect on their work habits, fostering self-awareness and giving them the tools to become independent, lifelong learners.
Choice Leads to Engagement
Montessori’s student-driven approach places the power of learning in the hands of the students, giving them the freedom to choose what interests them most.
Research shows that children are more engaged and happier in their learning when they have the freedom to make choices. This autonomy creates intrinsic motivation, allowing children to become deeply invested in their learning ability, which leads to more meaningful educational experiences and a lasting passion for discovery.
Hands-On Materials Promote Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
At School in the Hills, students don’t just memorize facts—they explore concepts with hands-on materials that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving.
Instead of relying on textbooks and worksheets, Montessori classrooms provide tangible materials that help students visualize complex concepts. This discovery-based learning approach allows children to manipulate objects to uncover math principles or explore scientific ideas. Many of our materials also feature a “control of error,” which helps students identify and correct mistakes, fostering resilience and self-correction.
Minimal Pressure from Standardized Testing
In a Montessori environment, the emphasis is not on preparing for a test but developing a child’s potential.
One of the most significant differences between traditional schools and Montessori is the focus on standardized testing. Montessori fosters a love of learning and supports intrinsic motivation by reducing the pressure to perform on standardized tests. Students are free to focus on mastering skills at their own pace rather than memorizing facts for a test, making for a more positive and fulfilling educational experience.
Respect for Individual Learning Styles
By following each child’s natural curiosity and readiness, Montessori education allows children to engage with lessons at their own pace.
In a Montessori classroom, teachers act as guides, not instructors. They tailor lessons to meet the unique needs of each student, adapting their teaching methods to fit individual learning styles. Our “follow the child” approach helps students develop a deeper understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to thrive in a way that traditional education may not support.
Social-Emotional Learning at School in the Hills
Holistic Development & Real-World Skills
Montessori education takes a holistic approach to development, nurturing academic growth and social-emotional (SEL) skills.
Teachers at School in the Hills support students in learning to manage their emotions, resolve conflicts independently, and work collaboratively with others. In addition, children participate in practical life skills like gardening, cooking, and community service, helping them develop responsibility, empathy, and a strong sense of self-sufficiency—skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
A Peaceful & Nurturing Environment
Our classroom designs foster a calm and supportive environment where children work together, solve problems, and learn how to communicate effectively.
The Montessori method values peace, respect, and cooperation, and these principles are in each learning environment at School in the Hills. Regular student-led community meetings allow children to discuss and resolve classroom challenges, which fosters leadership, accountability, and a sense of shared responsibility. Students also have a role in establishing classroom rules reinforcing a culture of mutual respect.
Choosing the right educational path for your child is an important decision, and transitioning from a traditional school to a Montessori school could provide them with the personalized, engaging, and supportive environment they need to thrive.
If you’re ready to discover how Montessori education can set your child up for lifelong success, we invite you to visit School in the Hills. Our nurturing community, student-centered approach, and commitment to developing the whole child make it the perfect place for your child to explore, learn, and grow.
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Contact us today to schedule a tour and see how Montessori education can transform your child’s educational experience.
