Our Difference

How Does our Learning Differ from Traditional Classrooms?

How does Montessori International Stack Up against Common Core Standards?

The curriculum at Montessori International Children's House not only meets, but in many instances greatly exceeds the Common Core Standards. MICH students gain a deep understanding of concepts through experiences with concrete materials, enhanced by a spiral approach to topics in which concepts are revisited in increasingly greater depth.

Click both images below to watch two short videos to learn more and to help you decide which kind of education you want for your child:

Where do your graduates go after 6th grade at MICH?

Historically MICH's graduating classes have been divided equally between public and private schools. The public schools include Annapolis Middle School IB program, and Bates Middle School Performing & Visual Arts Magnet. Once the students enter public high school, it is common for them to enroll in honors, advanced placement classes, and IB programs. The private schools include Indian Creek, Key School, Severn School, Calvert School, St Martins-in-the-Field, and St. Mary's. MICH College Attendance

Why do Montessori schools group children by three-year age spans?

The child spends three years in the Primary class (3 to 6), then three years in Lower Elementary class (6 to 9), and finally three in Upper Elementary class (9 to 12). Such groupings are beneficial in the following ways:

Facilitates imitative learning - The children are exposed to older and younger peers. It is well known that children learn from each other especially from those just a little older, and in some cases, they learn better from each other than from adults.
Peer tutoring - The older children in the class act as models and tutors for the younger children. When an older child works with a younger one, both receive benefits. The older child solidifies her knowledge by presenting information to a younger one. The younger child is motivated and inspired by the older one.
Social - The classroom is a microcosm of society, a community in which each member contributes something to the whole. It is like a family of oldest children (those spending their third or fourth year in the class), middle children (those spending their second year) and youngest children (those who are new to the class). The oldest children have the most knowledge, the most freedom of choice and the most responsibility.
Academic - The curriculum is so rich and varied that it takes most children three years to master it. There is a cycle of beginning, middle and end, which is both linear and spiral. Concepts are introduced, reviewed, and re-introduced with more depth and complexity until the child has mastered them.

Is it difficult for a Montessori student to transition to a traditional school setting?

The resounding answer from our alumni is – no! Our graduates indicate how prepared they were for working independently and in groups, for taking responsibility for their work, and for being able to problem solve. They are confident which makes transitions normal rather than scary. To quote one of our alumni – Montessori learning sticks in your brain.

Are Montessori students successful later in life?

If success is measured by the ability to problem solve, to work cooperatively and productively within a group, to adapt to new situations, and an enthusiastic approach to learning, then Montessori educations promotes success.

Our notable graduates share some of their thoughts on a MICH Montessori education. Please take a moment to look at what our alums have to say, located on the website under Alumni, Testimonials

Famous Montessori Graduates

Our children have discovered two important qualities – empathy and curiosity. Who could ask for better than that? (alumni parent)

An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking; it involves the spiritual development of man, the enhancement of
his value as an individual, and the preparation of young people to understand the times in which they live. (Maria Montessori)

Thanks for opening up so many worlds to her (alumni parent)

A child is a discoverer (Maria Montessori)