Hebron Montessori welcomes students from 2 months to 6 years old. Our program includes an infant classroom, a toddler classroom, and two primary classrooms.

7am-6pm

The Montessori approach has proven successful with children from diverse backgrounds and with various needs, including children in mainstream classes, those who are gifted, as well as children with developmental delays or physical and emotional challenges. However, no single school model is ideal for every child. Some children may thrive in a smaller classroom with a more structured, teacher-directed environment that provides fewer choices and more external guidance. Children who are easily overstimulated or exhibit aggressive behaviors, for example, may face challenges in adapting to a Montessori setting. Each child’s needs are unique, so it’s best to collaborate with local schools to assess whether a Montessori program aligns well with the child’s needs and learning style.

There is a small but growing body of well-designed research comparing Montessori students to those in traditional schools. These suggest that in academic subjects, Montessori students perform as well as or better than their non-Montessori peers. In one study, for example, children who had attended Montessori schools at the preschool and elementary levels earned higher scores in high school on standardized math and science tests. Another study found that the essays of 12-year-old Montessori students were more creative and used more complex sentence structures than those produced by the non-Montessori group. The research also shows Montessori students to have greater social and behavioral skills. They demonstrate a greater sense of fairness and justice, for example, and are more likely to choose positive responses for dealing with social dilemmas. By less stringent measures, too, Montessori students seem to do quite well. Most Montessori schools report that their students are typically accepted into the high schools and colleges of their choice. And many successful grads cite their years at Montessori when reflecting on important influences in their life.

Every child has their own unique strengths, learning style, and areas that may present challenges. Montessori is designed to embrace these differences, allowing students to learn at their own pace and adapting to various learning styles. In many cases, children with mild physical disabilities or learning differences can thrive in a Montessori classroom. However, some children may benefit more from a smaller, more structured environment. Each child's situation must be assessed individually to ensure that the Montessori program can effectively meet their specific needs and learning style.

Montessori schools teach the same core subjects as traditional schools, offering a rigorous academic program. Subjects like math, science, history, geography, and language are all covered, but through an integrated approach that connects different areas of learning. For example, while studying a map of Africa, students might explore the art, history, and inventions of various African nations. This could lead to an exploration of ancient Egypt, including hieroglyphs and their significance in the history of writing. The study of pyramids naturally ties into geometry. This interconnected approach helps students see the relationships between different subjects, allowing them to dive deeply into topics and fully explore their curiosity.

Although students work at their own pace, they are not left to navigate it alone. The Montessori teacher carefully observes each child and provides materials and activities that support their progress, building on the skills and knowledge they have already acquired. This thoughtful guidance ensures they master each challenge and prevents them from moving on before they are ready—something that can actually lead to falling behind.

Dr. Montessori found that children are more motivated to learn when they engage with something they have chosen themselves. In a Montessori classroom, students can select their focus for the day, but their choices are guided by the materials and activities that the teacher has thoughtfully prepared in each area of the curriculum. Starting at the elementary level, students usually set their own learning goals and create personal work plans, with support from their teacher.

Grades, like other external rewards, have little lasting impact on a child’s motivation or achievements. The Montessori method fosters intrinsic motivation, nurturing the child’s natural curiosity and love of learning. A self-motivated learner becomes more independent, relying on their own drive rather than external reinforcement. While the teacher is always available for guidance and support, the focus is on cultivating internal growth. Instead of grades, Montessori teachers observe each student's progress and readiness to move forward with new lessons. Most Montessori schools hold regular family conferences, allowing parents to view their child's work and hear both the teacher’s and the child’s assessment of progress.