Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the questions we hear most often about Montessori education.


Montessori provides a child and a family the opportunity to explore some of the best practices in personalized learning. Many great thinkers began their education in an inspiring Montessori classroom.

  • What is the benefit of Montessori compared to traditional education?

    For children 18 months and older, our school emphasizes learning through all five senses—not just through listening, watching, or reading. At Pincushion, children learn at their own individual pace, choosing from a wide variety of activities that spark their curiosity. Teachers introduce materials and activities either one-on-one or in small groups, carefully tailored to what each child is ready to explore. Learning becomes an exciting journey of discovery, fostering concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a lifelong love of learning.

  • Why is it important Montessori has multi-age classrooms?

    Multi-age classrooms afford us the luxury of adapting the curriculum to the individual child. Each child can work at his or her own pace while remaining in the community with his or her peers. In addition, the multi-age format allows all older children to be the leaders of the classroom community even those children who may be shy or quiet.

  • Why is Montessori good for children with learning disabilities as well as gifted children?

    Montessori is designed to help all children reach their fullest potential at their own unique pace. A classroom whose children have varying abilities is a community in which everyone learns from one another and everyone contributes. Moreover, multi-age grouping allows each child to find his or her own pace without feeling “ahead” or “behind” in relation to peers.

  • Are Montessori schools secular?

    Montessori educates children without reference to a religious denomination. As a result, our classrooms are extremely diverse, with representation from all peoples, cultures, and religions.

  • Why is Montessori teacher training important?

    Montessori teacher training is essential because the Montessori approach is fundamentally different from traditional teaching. It equips teachers with a deep understanding of Montessori philosophy, the skills to use specialized hands-on materials effectively, and the observational abilities needed to guide rather than direct learning. Training also prepares teachers to manage multi-age classrooms, foster independence, and support the development of executive skills such as concentration, problem-solving, and self-discipline. Proper training ensures that teachers implement the method faithfully, creating an environment where children can learn to teach themselves and grow at their own pace.

  • How is Pincushion Hill Montessori School different than daycare?

    Pincushion students are engaged with educational materials and lessons throughout the day through hands-on learning experiences in academic areas such as language, math, science, and geography.

  • If children are free to choose their own work, how do you ensure that they receive a well-rounded education?

    Montessori children are free to choose within limits, and have only as much freedom as they can handle with appropriate responsibility. The classroom teacher and assistant ensure that each child is progressing at her appropriate pace in all subjects.

  • Montessori classrooms don’t look like regular classrooms. Where are the rows of desks? Where does the teacher stand?

    Rather than placing the teacher at the center of the classroom, with children dependent on her for instruction and activities, this approach is truly child-centered. Children work at tables or on floor mats, where they can spread out their materials, while the teacher circulates around the room, offering lessons or addressing issues as they arise.

  • Are Montessori schools as academically rigorous as traditional schools?

    Yes. Montessori classrooms encourage deep learning of the concepts behind academic skills rather than rote practice of abstract techniques. The success of our students appears in the experiences of our alumni, who compete successfully with traditionally educated students in a variety of high schools and universities.

  • Since Montessori classrooms emphasize non-competitiveness, how are students adequately prepared for real-life competition later on?

    Montessori classrooms emphasize personal growth rather than competition with others. Students focus on self-monitoring, self-correction, and the development of executive skills that support continuous improvement. Over time, they become aware of their strengths and learn strategies to address their areas for growth.