How We Are Different

Parents may notice some very striking differences between the Montessori approach to learning and the traditional education they grew up with. The Montessori method is designed not only to teach children basic skills and information. They are also encouraged at a very young age to learn to trust their own ability to think and solve problems independently. The goal of teachers is to lead students to think for themselves and become actively engaged in the learning process.

Nightingale Montessori embraces the reform ideal of individualized learning, but we will not sacrifice the time-honored rigors of a traditional education. Weighing the best of both models, we make it our mission to build self-discipline, stimulate high achievement, and practice awareness of personal responsibility.

Values & Methods at Nightingale Montessori

Reform Values at NM

  • Reverence for learning
  • Individualized assessment
  • Learning how to learn
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Practice making choices
  • Creative expression
  • Enriched learning environment
  • Building trust and confidence
  • Self-motivation
  • Individualized education
  • Reverence for life

Traditional Values at NM

  • Acquisition of basic skills
  • Frequent assessment
  • High achievement
  • Competency/proficiency
  • Highly-scripted curriculum
  • Mastery of sequential steps
  • High-order/critical thinking
  • Discipline (self-discipline)
  • Building character
  • Responsible citizenship
  • Appreciation of diversity

Reform Methods at NM

  • Matching teaching to ability
  • Self-evaluation
  • Seminars and debates
  • Collaborative group learning
  • Conflict resolution technique

Traditional Methods at NM

  • Scripted Curriculum
  • Scheduled group classes
  • Mandatory discipline
  • Some lecture experience
  • Competition (by choice)
  • Proficiency tests

Reform Methods Rejected

  • Lack of structure
  • Unaccountability
  • Invented spelling

Traditional Methods Rejected

  • Homework overload
  • Comparative grading
  • Reward /punishment incentives