We incorporate the Montessori method of education developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, which is a child centered approach based on scientific observations of children from birth to adult hood. Montessori method has been time tested, with over 100 years of success in diverse cultures throughout the world.
The Lycee Montessori philosophy is based on the approach that values to the human spirit and the development of the whole child: physical, social, emotional, and cognitive. The teacher, child and environment creates a mutual learning triangle. The classroom is prepared by our teachers to encourage independence and freedom within limits with a self-sense of order. Multi-age groupings are also a hallmark of the Montessori method.
| Aspect | Lycée Montessori | Standard Daycare |
| Learning approach | The core philosophy is child-centered, believing that children are naturally curious and capable learners. The goal is to nurture a child’s individual potential through personalized learning, holistic development, and intrinsic motivation. | The primary focus is on providing a safe and nurturing environment for children. While they do offer a structured routine and age-specific activities, the emphasis is often on care and general preparedness. |
| Pace | Montessori environments are designed to foster independent learning and cognitive growth. Children in Montessori programs have been shown to perform better in math and literacy and demonstrate higher levels of “executive function,” which includes self-control, working memory, and flexible thinking. | These programs may introduce pre-academic concepts and skills, but often the learning is more teacher-directed. They may use a fixed, predetermined curriculum where all children learn the same thing at the same pace. |
| Materials | Hands-on tools that teach by doing and self-correcting | General toys/worksheets; less self-teaching |
| Focus time | Long, quiet work blocks build
concentration |
Short blocks with many
transitions |
| Social grouping | Mixed ages; older children mentor younger ones | Same-age groups only |
| Teacher role | The teacher acts as a guide, observing and supporting each child’s individual learning path. They avoid interrupting a child’s concentration and provide one-on-one attention as needed. The teacher’s role is to help the child learn by exploring materials and making their own discoveries. | The teacher directs most activities and is responsible for delivering the same lesson to all students at the same pace. The focus is on providing care and a structured routine. |
| Independence | Daily choice, self-care, and
responsibility |
Independence within set
routines only |
| Life skills | Montessori classrooms use real, child-sized tools for activities like pouring, sweeping, dusting, and preparing food. Children learn to wash dishes with real water and soap, polish shoes, and fold laundry. Practical Life is divided into 4 areas:
● Care of self ● Care of environment ● Grace and courtesy ● Control of movement |
Life skills in a standard daycare setting are often integrated into daily routines and play. While the goal is to promote independence and responsibility, the approach is generally more routine-based and less focused on a specific, structured curriculum for practical tasks. |
| Motivation &
discipline |
The Montessori approach views discipline not as punishment, but as a way to “teach” and “learn”. The ultimate goal is for children to develop intrinsic motivation—the desire to act appropriately because it feels right, not because they will be rewarded or punished. | Standard daycares often rely on a more traditional model of discipline that uses external motivators to manage behavior. The focus is on providing a safe and predictable environment through established rules and routines. |
| Assessment | Personalized notes from observation | Standard checklists and
periodic reports |
| Classroom
environment |
A Montessori classroom is a meticulously designed space known as the “prepared environment”. Every detail is intentional, serving to support the child’s independence, concentration, and natural desire to learn. | Standard daycare classrooms are typically designed to be lively and stimulating, focusing on providing a safe and engaging space for children. |