Does Montessori Prepare Children for the Real World?

 This was a question asked in the most recent issue of Tomorrow’s Child.  And the answer is--- more research is needed.  But we do know some things and a bit of good research is available.  In this article by Tim Seldin, President of The Montessori Foundation the following facts are sited from a study that compared 201 high school students, who completed fifth grade in Milwaukee’s two public Montessori schools between 1990 and 1994.  These student were matched with a set of peers of  similar background from more   traditional public grade schools in Milwaukee.  Here are some of the findings:

Math and social studies GPA’s were higher for Montessori graduates.

On the district’s standardized tests, male Montessori graduates did significantly better than their peers in science, and female graduates did better in math.

Montessori graduates as a group did better on the ACT math exam.

Montessori students took more honor courses and failed fewer courses.   These students would have   graduated in 2002.  

We all believe that Ridgeline is a place for a great education and that Montessori has many positive effects on our students—but empirical evidence is scarce.  Seldin indicates that much more research needs to be done, and the Montessori community needs to do a much better job of disseminating information about existing research and new studies as they are made available.

 The study sited above did not look into student behavior, community service, peer relations or a host of other things that are integral to Montessori.   Perhaps we need a research grant!!  Paul