An Analysis of the Appeal to Montessori Education

Makayla Danielle Renee Cunningham

Indiana University South Bend
Abstract Results
With twenty responses, the survey questions that were used to gather this data included
I organized and conducted a social research project regarding Montessori education. I chose
demographic questions and two open-ended questions:
this topic since there is not a lot of current research or studies on Montessori education or why
parents choose one educational style over another. The purpose of this research is to identify
• ”When you hear the word ‘Montessori’, what words or phrases come to mind?”
why the philosophy and practice of Montessori education are so appealing to parents. My
• “Why did you decide to send your child to a Montessori school?”
research question is “What reasons do parents and guardians give for sending their children to
Montessori schools over traditional schools?” To discover more about my topic and research
The data indicated that participants chose to send their child to Montessori school for three reasons:
question, parents and guardians with children ages 1.5 to 12 years currently enrolled at The
Attraction to the Montessori principles (n = 11, 55%), the perceived fit to meet the needs of the
Montessori Academy at Edison Lake (Mishawaka, Indiana) and Saint Joseph Montessori
child, (n = 7, 35%), and anticipated outcomes for the child’s future (n = 2, 10%). Additionally, the
School (South Bend, Indiana) completed a short survey via Qualtrics. After the completion of
words that parents used to describe ‘Montessori’ can be found as a visual representation appearing
my survey, I collected 20 responses. The results provided evidence to suggest that parents and
on the poster in a Word Cloud.
guardians with children enrolled in the schools named above choose to send their children to
Montessori schools over traditional schools for three main reasons: Attraction to the
Attraction to the Montessori principles: Analysis of the responses indicated that eleven of the
Montessori principles such as the independent, child-centric, and practical life environment
twenty respondents (n = 11, 55%) sent their child to Montessori school because of their attraction
that the Montessori approach provides (55%), the perceived fit to meet the needs of their child
to specific Montessori principles such as hands-on, independent, child-centric, and the practical life
such as a personality or twice-exceptional children (35%), and anticipated outcomes for their
environment that Montessori approaches provide.
future such as lifelong success (10%). 
Perceived fit to meet the needs of the child: Analysis of the responses indicated that seven of the
Background twenty respondents (n = 7, 35%) stated that they chose Montessori education because their child’s
needs fit with the philosophy of the program due to personality, healthier experiences, and twice-
Parents and guardians have a growing array of options when it comes to choosing a school for
exceptional children.
their children. The Montessori Method is a child-centered educational approach that encourages
independence, creativity, exploration, and self-motivated growth for children. Alternatively, the
Anticipated outcomes for the child’s future: Analysis of the responses indicated that two of the
traditional style schooling focuses on standardized testing, performance, and grades. Both
twenty respondents (n = 2, 10%) sent their child to Montessori school because of the anticipated
education methods enable children to gain the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in
outcomes for the child’s future such as setting them up for success, impacting their capacity to
society, but there are key differences between them.
learn throughout life, and engaging in activities to shape them into their future selves.
The purpose of this research is to analyze the Montessori method and traditional style schooling
as well as identify why the philosophy and practice of Montessori are so appealing to parents. Conclusion
This study provided insight that can help fill the gaps in this research topic. The study
Methods found that parents chose Montessori education for the three main reasons that set
Montessori schools apart from other educational options, which includes the attraction to
Participants in this study include parents and guardians from pre- the principles and environment of Montessori, the needs of the child, and the child’s
kindergarten through elementary (age 1.5 to 12 years) who are future.
currently enrolled in Montessori schools in St. Joseph County,
Indiana. This study was based on a small sample of twenty respondents from only two schools.
Although this data cannot be generalized for all Montessori schools, it can be inferred that
Parents and guardians of each enrolled child were invited to take similar findings may be transferred to other Montessori schools. Additional research
part in a 10-question survey via Qualtrics that was available for 2 should be conducted to confirm the results. Additionally, this survey was designed to rely
weeks. This study used a convenience sample based on voluntary on parents’ self-reporting responses, which may not uncover the unconscious motivations
responses to the survey at two Montessori schools located in St. of choosing one school over another.
Joseph County, Indiana.

1. Saint Joseph Montessori School (South Bend, Indiana)

References
2. The Montessori Academy Edison Lake (Mishawaka, Indiana) American Montessori Society. (2021). Discover how the Montessori Method can transform your child's life. AMSHQ.
https://amshq.org/Families/Why-Choose-Montessori
 
It was hypothesized that parents favor Montessori education Hiles, E. (2018). Parents' reasons for sending their child to Montessori schools. Journal of Montessori Research, 4(1), 1–13.
because it encouraged problem-solving skills, critical thinking https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1179830.pdf
skills, and a sense of responsibility, which gives children the tools Rainbow Montessori. (2021). Montessori vs traditional. Rainbow Montessori Multicultural School.
and freedom that they need to grow and adapt without forcing https://www.rainbowmontessori.org/montessori-vs-traditional
education.
Travers, M. (2021, December 28). New research highlights the long-term benefits of a Montessori education. Forbes.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2021/12/28/new-research-highlights-the-long-term-benefits-of-a-montessori-
education/?sh=5a7f96663970