Currently, more than 570 public and charter schools around the world offer Montessori programs. Public schools sometimes adopt a few of the principles of the Montessori Method, using them alongside other more traditional educational approaches, while other public and charter schools have fully embraced the pedagogy.
Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) have adopted Montessori as a curriculum for their seven public Montessori programs (five Montessori Elementary schools and two Montessori high schools). In a district where one in seven students attends a public Montessori school, this monumental feat will empower Montessori teachers to prioritize Montessori over other curricula and policies the district mandates and will allow administrators to better support teachers without feeling the tension of navigating multiple curricula from district leadership. Moving forward, other district curricula will be supplemental and Montessori will be at the forefront.
The process for adoption was rigorous and spanned the course of three years. The project began when a Montessori work team composed of representatives from all age bands and from all six elementary schools was formed. High school representatives were added to the team later that year.
The opinions expressed in Montessori Life are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of AMS.