Why does Montessori have multi-age classrooms?
Montessori classrooms typically include a two- to three-year age span, which supports both academic and social development in powerful ways.
Younger children benefit from observing older classmates who model classroom expectations, care for materials, and demonstrate more advanced work. Older children, in turn, gain confidence and leadership skills as they serve as role models and mentors.
Because approximately two-thirds of students return to the classroom each year, new children enter an environment that is already calm, stable, and well-established. Returning students benefit from continuity with teachers who know them deeply and can help them build seamlessly on prior learning- without the disruption of starting over each year.
Multi-age classrooms foster independence, collaboration, empathy, and a strong sense of community.
Is Montessori unstructured?
Montessori classrooms are often described as carefully structured rather than teacher-directed.
Each classroom is intentionally prepared to promote order, routine, and meaningful choice. Every material has a specific purpose and is selected to meet children’s developmental needs in a systematic and sequential way.
The teacher serves as a dynamic guide- observing, presenting lessons, and connecting each child with work that is appropriate and engaging. Clear expectations and consistent ground rules support independence, concentration, and self-discipline.
Many Montessori materials are self-correcting, allowing children to discover errors, problem-solve, and build confidence. Teachers extend learning through thoughtful follow-up lessons and increasingly complex work as children are ready.
How can I tell if a school is an authentic Montessori school?
The name “Montessori” is not trademarked, so it’s important to look for indicators of authenticity.
An authentic Montessori school typically includes:
Montessori-certified teachers
A full range of Montessori materials
Multi-age, three-year learning cycles
Student choice within clear limits
An uninterrupted work cycle of at least 2–3 hours
Accreditation through the American Montessori Association (AMS) is a strong indicator of quality and fidelity to Montessori principles.
Brixham Montessori Friends School received AMS school accreditation in 2016 and is committed to ongoing, continuous school improvement.
Montessori is known for fostering independence. Do children also learn to work together?
Yes- independence and collaboration go hand in hand in Montessori education.
Children are taught grace and courtesy lessons that show them how to ask to join another’s work, how to collaborate respectfully, and how to communicate their needs clearly. While children are not required to share materials on demand, they are expected to interact with kindness and respect.
In a Montessori classroom, you’ll see children working:
Independently
With a peer
In small groups
In lessons with a teacher
As children mature- especially in the elementary years- they take on increasing responsibility for group projects, class discussions, and planning collaborative activities such as field studies and service learning.
How do Montessori students adjust to traditional public or private schools?
Brixham graduates transition successfully to a wide range of independent and public schools, including Berwick Academy, Heronfield Academy, Cornerstone, and others.
Regardless of where they continue their education, our graduates are consistently described as:
Confident and self-directed
Responsible and resilient
Curious, creative, and thoughtful
Kind, collaborative, and respectful
Through Montessori education, students develop strong problem-solving skills, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate new environments with confidence. Grace and courtesy lessons foster empathy, peaceful conflict resolution, and respect- qualities that serve our graduates well as they move on to new schools, communities, and experiences.