Characteristics of a Montessori preschool:

1: Classrooms that include children of different ages.

The multi-age classroom is a hallmark of a Montessori preschool that gives children many unique learning opportunities. Younger children naturally learn by emulating children who are older than themselves, and the Montessori classroom takes advantage of it. Younger children watch their older peers model how to participate in the classroom learning activities, how to engage with the teacher and their peers, and how to move from one activity to the next.

The older children also benefit from the multi-age classroom. They get an opportunity to practice their leadership skills and develop empathy as they help younger students learn. Older students get the opportunity to act as mentors and reinforce their own learning as they help the younger children gain skills.

Want to learn more about multi-age classrooms? At Whitby, our Stepping Stones program includes children aged 18 months through 3 years old. In our Lower School, first and second graders study together in a multi-age classroom. Learn more about our Montessori preschool and private elementary school programs.

2: An environment that emphasizes responsibility and self-discipline

When a child takes part in a student centered education, they discover their own path to learning (with guidance from their teachers.) This helps children learn about responsibility: they need to learn how to work within the framework and schedule of the classroom, for instance, and how to use their time constructively. They even learn to take responsibility for helping younger children in the classroom who may be struggling with a concept they themselves have already mastered.

Another aspect of responsibility is self-discipline. Children naturally want to feel that