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Evidence-Based Research Supports a Better Way to Learn

More and more families today are looking for something different and something better than the traditional, one-size-fits-all system. We now know our kids deserve an education that actually aligns with how they grow and learn.

Montessori is a philosophy but it’s also a method rooted in child development, backed by over 100 years of practice and now validated by modern research in neuroscience, developmental psychology, and education.

Dr. Maria Montessori, one of the first female physicians in Italy, developed this approach to truly honor the way children learn best, through hands-on experiences, freedom within limits, and individualized guidance.

Research now shows what Montessori educators have known all along that this method supports academic success, builds strong executive functioning skills, and nurtures overall well-being for the long run.

The Science Behind Montessori

 

1. Advanced Executive Function & Social Skills
Montessori students significantly outperformed traditional peers in working memory, cognitive flexibility, and self-control—and showed stronger social reasoning and cooperative abilities.
Read Lillard & Else‑Quest (2006)

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2. Sustained Academic Gains in Math & Science
Children educated in Montessori from ages 3–11 scored higher in math and science well into middle school, compared to non‑Montessori peers.
Read Dohrmann et al. (2007)

 

 

3. Middle-School Math Proficiency via Checkerboard Tool
Seventh graders using the Montessori Checkerboard math tool showed marked improvement in numerical reasoning compared to peers.
Read Donabella 7th‑Grade Checkerboard Study

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4. Whole-Child Development & Brain-Aligned Learning
A comprehensive review anchors Montessori’s hands-on learning, student choice, and movement in brain science—showing measurable benefits for executive function and emotional regulation.
Read Diamond’s Whole‑Child Montessori Review

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 5. Equitable, Elevated Preschool Outcomes
A longitudinal study found that Montessori preschoolers made greater socio-emotional and cognitive gains over three years—especially benefiting lower-income and diverse communities.
Read Frontiers In Psychology (2017) Montessori Preschool Outcomes Frontiers+1Wikipedia+1FrontiersFrontiersFrontiers+8Frontiers+8Frontiers+8

 

 

6. Creative Giftedness & School Context
Explores how Montessori-like environments foster creative potential and talent, emphasizing the role of school structure in unleashing gifted students' innovation.
Read “Creative Giftedness and Educational Opportunities” ResearchGate+1ResearchGate+1

Connect with us!

Brainforest Academy

Montessori Microschool

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17950 Griffin Road

Southwest Ranches, Florida

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hello@brainforest-academy.com | Tel: 954-228-4826

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