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Checklist for Your Montessori School Visit


Clipboard with "Montessori School Visit" checklist on a table. Colorful pencils and wooden blocks nearby. Light blue wall background.

Visiting a Montessori school is an important step in finding the right educational environment for your child. Use this checklist to guide your observations and questions during your visit.


🔍 Classroom Environment


Calm, Orderly, and Inviting Atmosphere – Is the classroom peaceful, with a sense of purpose?

Prepared Environment – Are materials neatly arranged on accessible shelves?

Child-Sized Furniture & Materials – Is everything designed to support independence?

Natural Lighting & Minimal Distractions – Is the space welcoming and free from clutter?

Mixed-Age Groupings – Are children of different ages (e.g., 3-6, 6-9) working together?


🛠 Montessori Materials & Learning


Authentic Montessori Materials – Are there hands-on learning tools like the Pink Tower, Moveable Alphabet, and Golden Beads?

Concrete to Abstract Learning – Are children working with physical objects before abstract concepts?✔ Self-Correcting Materials – Do materials allow children to recognize and fix mistakes independently?✔ Three-Hour Work Cycle – Are students engaged in uninterrupted, self-directed work periods?


👩‍🏫 Teachers & Guidance


Montessori-Certified Teachers – Do teachers have AMI, AMS, or MACTE certification?

Observational Role – Are teachers guiding rather than lecturing?

Respectful Interactions – Do teachers speak to children at eye level and use a warm, encouraging tone?✔ Individualized Learning – Are lessons tailored to each child’s needs and pace?


🧒 Student Behavior & Engagement


Independence – Are children choosing their own work and completing tasks without constant direction?

Focused & Engaged Learners – Are students concentrating and immersed in their activities?

Collaborative & Respectful Social Interactions – Are older children helping younger ones?

Freedom of Movement – Are children moving freely and working in different areas (not confined to desks)?


📚 Curriculum & Philosophy


Practical Life Activities – Are children learning life skills like pouring, buttoning, or cleaning up?

Sensorial Exploration – Are activities designed to refine senses (touch, sight, hearing, etc.)?

Integrated Subjects – Are math, language, science, and cultural studies blended into real-life experiences?

Grace & Courtesy Lessons – Are children learning social skills, like saying "please" and "thank you"?


🏡 School Community & Policies


Parent Involvement – Does the school encourage parent participation and communication?

Outdoor Play & Nature Exploration – Is there a garden or outdoor area for movement and discovery?✔ Technology Use – How does the school approach screen time and digital learning?

Transition to Higher Levels – Does the school offer programs beyond early childhood (e.g., elementary, middle school)?

Class Size & Student-Teacher Ratio – Is there a low student-to-teacher ratio to support individual attention?


❓ Questions to Ask the School


🔹 What is the teacher’s role in guiding learning?

🔹 How do you handle discipline and conflict resolution?

🔹 How do you assess a child’s progress?

🔹 How does your school stay true to Montessori principles?

🔹 How do you support children transitioning to mainstream education (if needed)?


This checklist will help you assess whether a Montessori school aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s educational values. Happy school hunting! 😊

 
 
 

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