Seattle is home to plenty of top-rated Montessori programs. Here are our picks.
Even if you're completely unfamiliar with early educational philosophies, you've probably heard of Montessori. This particular child-focused method of education is one of the most popular styles of learning.
What is the Montessori learning style?
Montessori classrooms utilize specially-designed learning materials and constitute a collaborative, exploratory environment. Dr. Maria Montessori, a physician, educator, and acclaimed innovator pushed the boundaries of thought to develop a program that cultivates the natural desires of a learner.
How are Montessori classrooms structured?
At Montessori programs, classrooms are structured to include the five Key Learning Areas of Montessori: Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, and Culture.
What are the Montessori age groups?
Montessori students are separated into seven age groups all the way up to high school. For child care age ranges, the groups include: Infant (0 - 18 months), Toddler (18 months - 3 years old), Primary or Children’s House (3 - 6 years old), and Lower Elementary (6 - 9 years old). Each age group spans three years, which means that Montessori classrooms are multi-age environments. The concept is that by spending three years with the same teacher and same age group, Montessori students get plenty of time to become experts in a familiar environment, to learn from and go on to teach their younger peers, and to learn at their own pace since there is no rush to transition to a new classroom every year.
Is Montessori best for my child?
Not necessarily! The best learning environment is one where you child feels safe, comfortable, and happy. Every child is different and no educational philosophy is better than the other.
That said, Montessori is an extremely popular educational philosophy. And lucky for us here in Seattle, there are plenty of top-rated Montessori child care programs to choose from.
Here's our list of the top Montessori programs in Seattle:
Lighthouse Montessori School 7005 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA For a true Montessori experience, look no further than Lighthouse Montessori School. With all-day access to the outdoors, this all-day, all-year program works hard to create responsible citizens who feel empowered to change the world, with the regard for the people and land around them.
Wind Rose Montessori 3514 W Government Way, Seattle, WA A favorite among Seattle families, Wind Rose Montessori emphasizes the importance of the natural world through an extensive outdoor exploration, and blends Reggio Emilia principles of exploration, project-based learning, and documentation.
Practical Montessori 2837 Northwest 68th Street, Seattle, WA For a little more one-on-one attention, Seattle parents know to go to Practical Montessori. Located in the Sunset Hill section of Ballard, this program is the only in-home Montessori preschool on our list and offers students a nurturing, confidence-building environment.
Kidus Montessori 834 18th Ave, Seattle, WA For parents looking for a faith-based approach to the Montessori style of learning, there's Kidus Montessori. The program strives to foster and build a vibrant, supportive and involved community of parents, teachers, and families.
Grasshopper Montessori 1800 S Jackson St #112, Seattle, WA Seattle parents rave about Grasshopper's warm and supportive learning environment that prepares their children for kindergarten and instills a genuine love of learning.
Wedgwood Montessori 11006 34th Ave NE, Seattle, WA Known for its caring community and kind, attentive teachers, families can't say enough about Wedgwood Montessori. Students are more than adequately prepared for kindergarten and learn plenty of lifelong skills in their short time at this program.
Little Laurels Montessori Preschool 12700 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA A beautiful learning environment goes a long way, as you'll see at Little Laurels Montessori Preschool. The updated, clever design incorporates all of the key Montessori classroom elements and provides a fresh and fun space for children to learn and explore.
Whether you're completely new to Montessori programs or ready to enroll, we recommend scheduling a tour to find the best fit for your family. You'll get to meet the staff, see the classroom setups, ask questions about the curriculum, and more. Schedule your tour in just a few clicks with LegUp—no need to pick up the phone. Just signup for a free account to get started!