"Is Montessori Right For My Child?"

At Julia Brown Schools, children learn through hands-on Montessori materials, familiar classroom routines, meaningful choices, and increasing independence.

Montessori is different from a traditional classroom in several important ways. Understanding those differences can help you decide whether it is the right fit for your family.

What Type of Child Does Well in Montessori?

Children with many different personalities can thrive in Montessori. Your child does not need to be naturally independent, exceptionally quiet, or academically advanced.

Independence is something Montessori helps children develop. Our Directresses, or Montessori teachers, introduce lessons, observe each child's progress, and provide guidance as children learn to make choices, solve problems, care for their environment, and take responsibility for their work.

A child who is curious, enjoys hands-on activities, likes to repeat something until they master it, or takes pride in doing things independently may especially enjoy the Montessori environment.

But I've Heard Montessori is Too Strict?

Montessori is structured, but structure is not the same as strictness.

One common misconception is that Montessori classrooms are overly strict because children are expected to follow routines, use materials carefully, respect other people's work, and behave appropriately in the classroom.

At Julia Brown Schools, these expectations help create a calm, predictable environment where children can concentrate and work independently. Children learn how to choose work, use materials appropriately, return them when finished, move respectfully through the classroom, and avoid unnecessarily interrupting another child's concentration.

“Grace and courtesy are among the first lessons in human relationships that we give to the child. These are, in their simplest form, the manners of everyday life.” — Maria Montessori

“The routine, structure, calm environment and time-tested Montessori approach make Julia Brown a gem of a school.” — JBS Parent

Children are given meaningful choices within clear boundaries. They can select work that interests them, repeat activities as they practice new skills, and work independently or alongside classmates.

The result is a classroom that is orderly without being designed around constant adult direction.

Is Montessori Too Unstructured?

No. Montessori classrooms have significant structure and carefully established routines. The difference is that children have freedom within that structure.

Our Directresses determine which lessons are introduced, how materials are used, and what expectations children follow. Within those boundaries, children have opportunities to make appropriate choices and take an active role in their day.

In Montessori, this balance is called freedom within limits and is one of the defining characteristics of an authentic Montessori classroom.

“The child realises that through his own efforts he can be independent and achieve things he has set his mind to.” — Maria Montessori

Does Montessori Focus on Academics?

Absolutely. Montessori provides a strong academic foundation through hands-on learning. Children are introduced to concepts using concrete materials that help them understand how and why something works before gradually moving toward more abstract thinking. At Julia Brown Schools, Montessori's traditional areas of learning include:

• Practical Life

• Sensorial

• Language

• Mathematics

• Culture

As children get older, our Kindergarten and Elementary students continue the Montessori approach with deeper studies in language, mathematics, science, and cultural subjects, along with enrichment such as Latin, Coding, German*, and Debate*.

*Exclusive to our Montessori Elementary Class

What If My Child Has Never Been to School Before?

Previous Montessori experience is not required. Many children begin in our Toddler Class as their first formal school experience.

At Julia Brown Schools, children can enroll as early as 15 months. As they grow, children can continue into Primary at age 2.5, Kindergarten, and Elementary through Third Grade.

This continuity allows children to become familiar with their environment and gradually take on more responsibility as they grow. It also allows our Directresses to get to know your child very well, knowing when they need help and when they are ready for a new challenge.

For young children especially, beginning school is about much more than academics. Learning to separate from parents, participate in a classroom community, care for belongings, and complete tasks independently are all important parts of the Montessori experience.

Where Are Julia Brown Schools Located in Maryland?

Julia Brown Schools offers Montessori programs from 15 months through Third Grade. Our family-owned schools have served Maryland families since 1967, with four campuses in Columbia, Laurel, Silver Spring, and Olney.

Our Columbia and Laurel campuses serve families in and around Howard County and Prince George's County, while our Silver Spring and Olney campuses serve families throughout Montgomery County.

Each campus provides a Montessori environment where children can develop independence, concentration, and a lifelong love of learning.

How Can I Tell If Montessori Is Right for My Child?

The best way to decide is to schedule a tour.

When you visit, look at how children interact with their teachers, how much independence they have, how classroom expectations are handled, and whether the environment feels like one in which your child could be comfortable and engaged.

Many parents are surprised by how calm and focused the classrooms are, especially for our youngest learners.

At Julia Brown Schools, our classrooms are led by certified Montessori Directresses, and our schools are accredited by the Maryland State Department of Education.

If you want your child to become a confident, independent learner, not simply a child who knows the right answers for a test, Montessori may be worth exploring. Ready to see if Montessori is the right fit for your child? Schedule a tour at Julia Brown Schools.

Written by: Julia Brown Schools

Originally published: January 9, 2023

Updated: August 2026