Traditional or Montessori? We break down everything Victoria parents need to know to make the right educational choice.

Standing at the crossroads of your child’s educational journey, you’re weighing a decision that feels monumentally important. Should you choose the familiar path of traditional education, or does Montessori’s child-centered approach offer something fundamentally better for your child’s development?

If you’re like most Victoria parents, you’ve probably heard conflicting opinions. Some dismiss Montessori as “all play, no real learning,” while others swear it’s the secret to raising confident, capable children. Meanwhile, you’re wondering: Does Montessori actually prepare children for the real world? Will they be ready for university? Are they learning the BC curriculum?

The truth is, these concerns deserve evidence-based answers, not opinions. After more than a century of implementation and decades of rigorous research, we now have substantial data comparing Montessori and traditional educational outcomes. What the research reveals might surprise you.

Teaching Philosophy: Student-Centered vs Teacher-Directed Learning

The fundamental difference between Montessori and traditional education lies in who drives the learning process and how children experience their days.

Traditional Classroom Reality: At 9:15 AM sharp, all Grade 2 students in classroom A open their math workbooks to page 47. They complete identical addition problems while the teacher monitors from the front. Students raise hands to ask permission to use the washroom. Those who finish early wait quietly until everyone completes the assignment. Success is measured by matching the answer key.

Montessori Classroom Experience:
During the same morning, one child explores fraction concepts using concrete materials, another practices multiplication with golden beads, while a third child works on a geometry extension because yesterday’s lesson sparked deeper curiosity. A 6-year-old helps a 4-year-old with counting, reinforcing both children’s learning. The teacher moves quietly among children, offering individual lessons when a child demonstrates readiness for new concepts.

Michelle McClure witnesses this philosophy in action at Westmont: “My children learn complex mathematics in a tangible way at first, then learn the language and equations later, enabling them to truly understand concepts, instead of just memorizing and regurgitating facts.” Her Grade 2 child’s solar system project impressed her astrophysicist father-in-law, who noted, “he didn’t learn those things until 2nd-year university.”

Research published in Frontiers in Psychology supports these observations: “Montessori education aligns with principles and practices that a century of research has shown are more optimal for child development than the principles and practices that undergird conventional schooling” (Lillard, 2017).

The student-centered approach addresses a fundamental challenge in traditional education: passive learning. When children constantly receive direction about what to do, when to do it, and how to do it, they develop dependency on external validation. Montessori children, by contrast, develop internal motivation and self-regulation skills that serve them throughout their lives.

Academic Outcomes: What the Research Shows

Perhaps the most persistent misconception about Montessori education is that children “just play” instead of learning rigorous academics. Current research thoroughly debunks this myth.

Mathematics and Science Excellence

According to the American Montessori Society’s research summary, “Randomized control design studies have found superior outcomes on academic and pre-academic assessments for children who attended Montessori preschool and elementary schools compared to non-Montessori control group children (Lillard, et al, 2017; Lillard & Else-Quest, 2006).” The hands-on materials that critics dismiss as “playing” actually provide concrete foundations for abstract mathematical concepts.

Ms. McClure describes witnessing this approach: “My eldest loves that he gets to choose which work he completes in a day, mostly leaning towards math… The students take accountability for their learning from an early age.” Her children demonstrate advanced understanding because they’ve built mathematical concepts from the ground up rather than memorizing procedures.

Provincial Curriculum Mastery

Addressing concerns about BC curriculum alignment, Westmont Montessori School has earned recognition from BC’s Ministry of Education for demonstrating the “best implementation of BC’s new curriculum.” This isn’t achieved by abandoning Montessori principles; rather, the method’s emphasis on deep understanding and interconnected learning naturally aligns with current educational standards.

STEM Integration, Not Arts-Only Focus

Another misconception positions Montessori as “artsy” rather than STEM-focused. In reality, Maria Montessori was herself a scientist, and her method emphasizes scientific thinking, mathematical reasoning, and systematic observation. Westmont’s innovative High School program includes a dedicated Exploration Lab equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, and cutting-edge technology that enables students to prototype and create.

Executive Function Development

Beyond subject-matter knowledge, Montessori education develops crucial cognitive skills. The American Montessori Society reports that “randomized control design studies also found stronger executive functioning results when comparing Montessori private preschoolers to non-Montessori children (Lillard & Else-Quest, 2006; Lillard, et al, 2017).” Executive functioning includes working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control: precisely the skills that predict success in higher education and careers.

Preparing for High School and Beyond: Long-Term Success

The ultimate test of any educational approach is how well it prepares students for future success. Here, Montessori’s advantages become even more pronounced in adolescence and beyond.

University Readiness

Research tracking Montessori graduates shows positive long-term outcomes. According to a systematic review published in Nature, while methodological challenges exist in educational research, available studies suggest Montessori students develop strong foundational skills. Additionally, research published in PMC (PubMed Central) indicates that “early research provides evidence that the Montessori method and environment are beneficial to low- and middle-SES children.”

Ms. McClure expresses confidence in this preparation: “I absolutely believe that the children will be very well prepared for post-secondary education. More importantly, I believe these children are learning life skills and coping mechanisms to support them in all areas regardless of what path they take.”

Revolutionary High School Approach

While most Montessori schools end at Grade 8, forcing families to transition to traditional high schools, Westmont has revolutionized secondary education entirely. Their High School program maintains Montessori principles while addressing adolescents’ developmental needs through project-based learning, professional mentorships, and real-world applications.

Grade 11 students complete four self-designed projects annually, while Grade 12 students focus on a single year-long capstone project. This approach develops exactly the skills universities and employers value most: independent research, collaborative problem-solving, and the ability to synthesize knowledge across disciplines.

Career Preparation for an Uncertain Future

Traditional education prepares students for a world that may no longer exist by the time they graduate. Montessori education’s emphasis on adaptability, creativity, and self-direction prepares students for careers that don’t yet exist.

As Ms. McClure observes about her children’s play: “They play ‘school’ and one is the teacher, the other is the student… they use such kind supportive language and they love to clearly explain tasks.” These children are already developing the communication, leadership, and teaching abilities that will serve them regardless of their chosen path.

Making the Right Choice for Your Victoria Family

The research is increasingly clear: Montessori education produces positive academic, social, and emotional outcomes compared to traditional schooling. According to research published in Psychology Today, “Montessori education—as it is implemented in the real world—has positive impacts on both academics and social and emotional development.” However, the right choice for your family depends on your values, your child’s personality, and your long-term goals.

Consider Montessori if you want:

• Your child to say “I can’t wait to show you what I discovered today!” rather than “What’s my homework?”
• Deep mathematical understanding over memorization (your child explains why 7×8=56 using concrete materials)
• Natural collaboration over forced competition (older children teaching younger ones by choice)
• Intrinsic motivation that lasts through university and career
• Problem-solving skills for challenges that don’t yet exist
• A child who can articulate their needs and resolve conflicts respectfully

Traditional education works well for families who:

• Prefer clear external structure and teacher-directed schedules
• Want familiar homework and grading systems
• Are primarily focused on standardized test preparation
• Prefer same-age peer groups and competitive environments
• Want the educational experience they remember from childhood
• Value conformity to established routines over independent thinking

Among Victoria’s educational options, Westmont Montessori School offers unique advantages that address common concerns about Montessori education:

• 67-year track record of continuous innovation and excellence
• BC Ministry recognition for curriculum implementation excellence
• Full K-12 program eliminating the transition challenge most Montessori families face
• 143-acre natural campus providing unparalleled learning environment
• Research-based approach combining proven Montessori principles with cutting-edge innovation
• Strong community of like-minded families committed to child-centered education

Making Your Decision

The choice between Montessori and traditional education isn’t just about school—it’s about the kind of person you want your child to become. Do you want a child who follows directions well, or one who thinks critically and acts independently? Do you want a child who competes with peers, or one who collaborates and leads?

The research strongly supports Montessori education’s effectiveness in developing confident, capable, and creative individuals. But ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with your family’s values and your child’s needs.

As parent Joslin Nelson reflects on her Westmont experience: “The Montessori philosophy fosters independence and free will allowing my daughter to reach her fullest potential… Thank you so much to the entire Westmont Community for helping us raise a child who will flourish in this world.”

Still weighing your options? Learn more about how Westmont leverages Montessori learning for your child’s specific age group here.

The decision about your child’s education is deeply personal and profoundly important. Take time to visit schools, observe classrooms, and imagine your child in each environment. Trust your instincts about where your child will thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Remember: you’re not just choosing a school; you’re choosing an approach to childhood, learning, and human development that will shape your child’s entire life trajectory. While research shows promising outcomes for Montessori education, the most important factor is finding the approach that aligns with your vision for your child’s future.

Thinking about Montessori for your child? Here’s everything Victoria parents need to know about this game-changing educational approach.

“After searching for many years to find the right school for all four of my children to attend, I am proud to say that we have found a wonderful place for them!” These words from Jennifer Macklam, a parent with several children at Westmont Montessori, capture what draws so many Victoria families to Montessori education. “My children have blossomed in the last two years,” she continues. “This is a school that is aiming to teach children how to apply in real life what they are learning—not simply to memorize and sit at a desk.

For many parents researching educational options across Greater Victoria, Montessori remains something of a mystery. You’ve heard it’s “different” and “child-centered,” but what does that actually mean for your child’s daily experience? How do you choose between the various Montessori options scattered across our communities? And perhaps most importantly, how do you know if this approach will truly serve your child’s unique needs?

Whether you’re considering a move from traditional public education or exploring private school options for the first time, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to understand about Montessori education in Victoria, BC.

What is Montessori Education? Understanding the Method

Dr. Maria Montessori revolutionized education over a century ago with a simple yet profound observation: children learn best when they’re free to explore their natural curiosity within a carefully prepared environment. Unlike traditional education, where teachers deliver information to passive students, Montessori flips this dynamic entirely.

In a Montessori classroom, children choose their own activities from a range of options prepared by trained guides. These materials are specifically designed to be self-correcting, allowing students to learn through discovery rather than instruction. The famous pink tower isn’t just about stacking blocks; children internalize concepts about size, dimension, and mathematical relationships through their hands and senses.

The method rests on several core principles that distinguish it from conventional education. Mixed-age classrooms create natural mentoring relationships where older children reinforce their learning by helping younger ones, while younger students are inspired by observing more advanced work. As Ms. Macklam observes about Westmont, “Because of the way the classes are set up, with a three-year age range together, this allows lots of interaction with other ages and the ability to help students younger and older.”

Perhaps most importantly, Montessori education recognizes that children have sensitive periods for learning specific skills. Just as there’s an optimal window for language acquisition, there are natural times when children are primed to absorb mathematical concepts, develop fine motor skills, or explore social relationships. Montessori environments are designed to capitalize on these developmental windows rather than forcing learning according to arbitrary timelines.

The results speak for themselves. Research consistently shows that Montessori students demonstrate stronger problem-solving abilities, greater creativity, and better social skills than their traditionally-educated peers. They learn to think independently, work collaboratively, and approach challenges with confidence rather than anxiety.

Early Learning Through High School: The Montessori Continuum

One of Montessori education’s greatest strengths lies in its continuity across age groups. Unlike traditional schools where children face jarring transitions between elementary and middle school, authentic Montessori programs build seamlessly on previous learning.

Early Childhood (Ages 3-6) forms the foundation of Montessori education. These mixed-age classrooms allow three-year-olds to observe and aspire to the work of kindergarteners, while five-year-olds solidify their understanding by mentoring younger classmates. Children move freely around the classroom, choosing activities that capture their interest and working at their own pace. The prepared environment includes practical life activities like food preparation and plant care, sensorial materials that refine the senses, language work that often results in early reading, and mathematical concepts introduced through concrete manipulatives.

Elementary (Ages 6-12) expands this foundation through what Montessori called “cosmic education.” Children explore the interconnectedness of all knowledge through compelling stories about the universe, earth, and human civilization. Rather than studying subjects in isolation, they discover how history, geography, science, and literature weave together. Research projects emerge from their questions, leading to deep exploration of topics that fascinate them.

Middle School (Ages 12-14) addresses the unique needs of early adolescents through community-oriented projects and real-world applications. Students often engage in collaborative projects that connect their learning to contemporary issues. The emphasis shifts toward collaboration and social awareness while maintaining individual choice and responsibility.

For the High School years (Ages 15 – 18), Westmont Montessori School (unlike Montessori programs which conclude at Grade 8 or 9) offers an innovative High School approach that revolutionizes secondary education entirely. Families can remain at Westmont for the entire K-12 schooling experience and not worry about having to transition to a traditional high school when their children finish middle school.

The Montessori Landscape in Victoria: Your Options

Victoria’s Montessori community offers families a diverse range of options, each with distinct characteristics and philosophies. Understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed choice.

Maria Montessori Academy stands as one of the largest established programs, serving 350 students from preschool through Grade 12 on a three-acre campus in Gordon Head. Their comprehensive approach includes camp experiences for elementary students and outdoor education programming that intensifies as children mature. Senior students participate in week-long expeditions as part of their learning journey.

Selkirk Montessori School occupies a waterfront setting on Jutland Road in the Burnside neighbourhood of Saanich, serving preschool through Grade 9. Their before and after school care extends from 7:45 AM to 5:15 PM, accommodating working families. The school emphasizes French language learning alongside musical education and athletics, with extracurriculars including cross country, ultimate frisbee, basketball, chess, volleyball, and badminton.

For families with younger children, Blue Heron Montessori in James Bay specializes in early learning for ages 2.5-5. Their progressive approach incorporates current early childhood education research while maintaining authentic Montessori principles in the heart of James Bay’s multicultural community.

Island Montessori House School brings over 50 years of experience to Greater Victoria as a non-profit organization. Operating since 1973, they’ve built a reputation for inclusivity, welcoming children of all abilities in their preschool and daycare programs.

STEM Montessori Academy operates from downtown Victoria, just blocks from the historic Empress Hotel and Royal BC Museum. Their focus centers specifically on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics integration within the Montessori framework.

Victoria Montessori serves preschool programs, with their mission to “guide, nurture and impart good knowledge, which will build a healthy body and mind with a positive mental attitude.”

Each of these schools reflects different interpretations of Montessori principles, from traditional implementations to specialized approaches, serving families across Victoria’s diverse neighborhoods from James Bay to Gordon Head to Saanich.

What Makes Westmont Montessori Different from Other Victoria Schools

After 67 years of continuous innovation on Vancouver Island, Westmont Montessori School has earned recognition from BC’s Ministry of Education for demonstrating the “best implementation of BC’s new curriculum.” This isn’t just another Montessori school; it’s an educational laboratory where traditional principles meet revolutionary approaches.

Westmont’s 143-acre natural campus in Metchosin provides an unparalleled learning environment. As Ms. Macklam describes, “The school location is second to none. It backs onto the beach, forest, waterfall, and trails. There is so much to learn about life outside the school, never mind what it teaches you inside.” While other Victoria Montessori schools operate on smaller urban lots, Westmont students learn alongside forests, streams, and ocean frontage.

The school’s commitment to what they call the “5 I’s” sets them apart: Individuality, Independence, Innovation, Interdisciplinary learning, and Inclusion. These principles guide every aspect of school life, from curriculum design to community interactions.

Most dramatically, Westmont has reimagined high school education through their groundbreaking High School program designed “to disrupt traditional learning models and provide an innovative, project-based education that prepares students for post-secondary life and adulthood.” The program is built on the philosophy that “education must be an invigorating blend of personal interests, academia and real-world experiences,” enabling students to “realize the world is truly their classroom.”

Project-Based Learning (PBL) forms the cornerstone of the curriculum, with the academic year divided into four 8-week cycles. Students engage deeply with subject matter through hands-on projects that integrate curricular content and real-world applications. The Junior Program (Grades 9-10) sees students complete eight projects over two years, while the Senior Program culminates in a year-long capstone project in Grade 12 where students have full autonomy in designing their learning experience.

A robust mentorship program connects students with professionals in their fields of interest, with students required to meet with their mentors at least once every four weeks. Students take the lead in establishing and maintaining these crucial mentor-student relationships, ensuring they play an active role in their own learning and professional development. The program also features an innovative Exploration Lab, a dedicated makerspace equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, and other cutting-edge technology that allows students to bring their ideas to life through hands-on creation and prototyping.

The Macklam family’s experience reflects the school’s comprehensive approach: “The teachers are extremely passionate about the Montessori system. Many of them have been teaching for many years, some of whom have gone to the school themselves. Others have written Montessori books for children.” She notes how “the incorporation of hikes, team-building games, daily physical education, and outdoor activities such as a four-day trip to Camp Thunderbird for my older daughter has been life-changing.”

The results validate this innovative approach. Another Westmont parent Peter Scott observes, “My daughters are happy and excited about their time at Westmont. The quality of life there is driven primarily by relationships: with the teachers, the staff, and with fellow students.” Ms. Macklam shares a similar sentiment: “My children are very happy going to school every day. They love that they know what the school day will bring, and they are excited for the day’s and week’s activities.”

Questions Every Victoria Parent Should Ask When Choosing Montessori

Selecting the right Montessori school requires moving beyond surface-level factors to examine fundamental questions about educational philosophy and implementation.

The answers to these questions will reveal which Victoria Montessori option best aligns with your family’s values, needs, and long-term educational goals.

Ready to see Montessori in action? Schedule a campus tour to experience our approach firsthand.

The journey toward choosing your child’s educational path is deeply personal. Every family brings unique hopes, concerns, and circumstances to this decision. What matters most is finding a school that truly understands and nurtures your child’s individual potential while preparing them for success in an ever-changing world.

Victoria’s Montessori community offers remarkable options for families seeking alternatives to conventional education. From traditional implementations honouring Dr. Montessori’s original vision to innovative programs like Westmont’s High School program that push educational boundaries, you’ll find approaches that prioritize your child’s natural curiosity, independence, and joy in learning.

The investment in Montessori education extends far beyond academics. Students develop self-confidence, problem-solving abilities, and social skills that serve them throughout their lives. They learn to think independently while collaborating effectively. Most importantly, they maintain their natural love of learning rather than having it extinguished by traditional educational pressures.

“In the community that Westmont is striving for and creating, I see a group of staff, parents, and students who are eager to learn and to build strong friendships and relationships—in an environment that is forward-thinking, one that encourages children to follow their passions and dreams.” – Jennifer Macklam, Westmont Parent

As you explore Victoria’s Montessori options, trust your instincts about where your child will thrive. Visit campuses, observe classrooms, and imagine your child in these environments. The right choice will feel authentic to your family’s values while exciting your child’s imagination about the learning adventure ahead.