Choosing a Montessori School Near Me

Choosing a School
Finding the right school for your child is a process that can feel overwhelming. This is especially the case when you are not sure what questions to ask or what to look for during school tours. At LePort, we believe in being open and straightforward with parents. We are here to guide you through this decision-making process and help you identify the key elements of an authentic Montessori education.

How to Identify an Authentic Montessori School

We encourage parents to be informed when comparing schools. The Montessori name is not trademarked or regulated. Due to this, not all Montessori schools follow the same standards. It is important to choose a school that adheres to the Montessori philosophy in its practices. To help you, we have made checklists that you can download and use when touring any school. These checklists will guide you through the top things to observe and ask about at each stage of your child’s education.

Download our checklists:

Infant Program Checklist

Toddler Program Checklist

Preschool & Kindergarten Program Checklist

Elementary Program Checklist

The Five Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a School

We encourage you to ask these five important questions when visiting schools, including LePort. These questions will help you decide if the school matches what you want for your child’s education.

1. What is the educational goal of the school?
You need to be clear about what you want your child to achieve and whether the school’s goals match your own. Is the school focused on preparing students for tests? Social adjustment? Or is it about developing a love of learning, building critical thinking skills, and gaining the knowledge needed for success in life? A strong Montessori school, like LePort, aims to help children grow into independent, confident learners ready for what comes next.

2. What is the school’s curriculum?
What subjects does the school teach, and how do they approach teaching them? Look for a well-rounded curriculum that covers core subjects such as reading, writing, math, history, geography, and science. Ask for specifics—review syllabi, learning materials, and work samples. At LePort, we offer a systematic, sequential curriculum that builds knowledge step by step, ensuring that our students understand why they are learning something and how it connects to the world around them.

3. What is the school’s approach to teaching?
How do the teachers engage their students? Do they make learning interesting and meaningful, or rely on rewards and punishments to motivate students? High quality Montessori schools like LePort focus on making learning exciting by tapping into each child’s curiosity and interests. Observe classrooms to see if they are organized, beautiful, and calm. Make sure the learning environment is one where your child can thrive.

4. Who are the teachers, and how are they supported?
The quality of teaching is essential for your child’s success. Ask about the school’s hiring process—do they rely on basic credentials, or do they have higher standards? How does the school help teachers grow through training, mentoring, and regular feedback? At LePort, our teachers are highly trained professionals, many of whom hold AMI or AMS Montessori credentials. We provide ongoing support to ensure they are always growing and improving.

5. What do students actually learn and remember?
It is important to go beyond test scores and look at what children really learn at school. Ask to see student work, report cards, and assessments. At LePort, we focus on deep, meaningful learning that stays with students for life. Our students develop strong thinking skills, curiosity, and a love of learning that prepares them for future success.

Choosing a School