Not all Montessori programs are the same. In fact, beware of the pseudo-Montessori programs.

Because “Montessori” is not trademarked, many facilities use the name as a marketing scheme. Yet their facility resembles nothing like what Maria Montessori envisioned. These facilities may incorporate some Montessori materials, or they may be have mixed-aged kids, but you can’t call it a pie with just one or two ingredients!

Montessori is an amazing philosophy on education and child development. It is a curated environment for the child, consisting of the parents, teachers, assistants, materials used, culture that is created, language used and not used, etc to naturally help the child grow into the perfect being that God has created.

When looking for a Montessori program, look for either an AMI or AMS program with AMI/AMS trained staff.

(AMI closely adheres to Maria Montessori’s work, while AMS has it’s own spin on it.)

And most importantly look for the Director of the facility who is invested in upholding the Montessori philosophy, because it truly works and our kids deserve it.

My Friday thoughts. Have a great weekend!