The Montessori method has gained popularity in recent years, promising an education that fosters independence and self-directed learning. However, not every family has found success with this approach. Some parents, like Agathe, have chosen to transition their children back to traditional schools after realizing that Montessori didn’t meet their expectations.
Agathe’s daughter spent four years in a Montessori school before switching to a public school in third grade. While the initial experience in preschool was promising, the academic gaps became apparent as she progressed. The transition wasn’t seamless—private tutoring was necessary to bridge the knowledge gaps.
The Appeal of Montessori: Independence Over Structure
The core principle of Montessori education is to allow children to learn at their own pace, emphasizing autonomy and hands-on discovery. In preschool, this approach often works well, with children exploring activities that develop fine motor skills and basic literacy. However, for Agathe’s daughter, the lack of structured lessons in reading, grammar, and mathematics became a major concern as she moved up in grades.
“At first, it seemed great—she loved going to school, and she was engaged in activities that encouraged curiosity. But as time passed, I started noticing gaps in her education,” Agathe recalls. “By the end of first grade, reading was still a struggle, and spelling and grammar were barely covered. In third grade, she had never even done a dictation exercise because it wasn’t part of the Montessori philosophy.”
When Gaps Become Hard to Ignore ?
Concerned about her daughter’s progress, Agathe raised her worries with the school’s educators. The response, however, was disheartening. “They told me she wasn’t ‘ready’ and implied that the problem was with her rather than the method itself. It made me question if the lack of structure was truly helping or just setting her back.”
Mathematics was another major struggle. “The teachers assured me that she would pick it up when she was ready, but I wasn’t seeing any real progress. By the time we moved her to a public school, she was significantly behind her peers.”
A Lack of Transparency in the Curriculum
One of the biggest frustrations Agathe faced was the lack of communication from the school. “We weren’t allowed to know what was being taught, and there were no formal evaluations. Any attempt to ask questions made me feel like I was being difficult.”
Many parents, like Agathe, have echoed similar concerns. Montessori schools, particularly those operating independently, often follow flexible curricula that aren’t required to align with national education standards. This can leave parents feeling uninformed about their child’s academic progress.
More Parents Reconsidering Montessori
Agathe’s experience isn’t unique. More families are reevaluating Montessori education, especially as their children enter elementary grades. While the approach may work for some, experts increasingly question whether it provides strong enough foundations in key subjects like literacy and math.
Additionally, the high cost of Montessori education—combined with minimal external oversight—has led to growing skepticism. Reports from publications like Madame Figaro highlight concerns about the lack of regulation and inconsistent teaching quality in many Montessori schools.
A Lesson Learned
Looking back, Agathe doesn’t regret giving Montessori a try but acknowledges that it wasn’t the right fit for her daughter. “She needed more structure, and she wasn’t getting that in Montessori. Now, in a traditional school, she’s catching up—but only with extra support.”
For parents considering Montessori, Agathe advises doing thorough research and staying actively involved in their child’s progress. “Montessori sounds wonderful in theory, but in practice, it may not suit every child. If you start noticing gaps, don’t be afraid to reassess.”
Montessori education undoubtedly has its strengths, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For some children, a balance between independence and structured learning might be the key to long-term academic success.