Featured Research
Rigorous meta-analysis says Montessori works
Campbell Systematic Reviews, 2023
In a systematic review of Montessori research considering 2000+ articles, researchers found evidence that Montessori education outperformed traditional education on a wide variety of academic and nonacademic outcomes.
Public Montessori Raises Achievement, Closes Gaps
Frontiers in Psychology, 2017
This three-year study of two public Montessori schools in Hartford reduced achievement gaps across income levels and rated Montessori children higher in academic achievement, social cognition, mastery orientation, and school enjoyment. This work is the basis for an ongoing federally funded national study.
Public Montessori Schools Outperform Districts on Standardized Tests
Journal of School Choice, 2021
In the ten states or regions with the most public Montessori schools, Montessori schools had higher levels of ELA and math proficiency at eighth grade, even when controlling for race and income—in fact, Black, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students showed the greatest difference, and so-called “achievement gaps” were smaller in Montessori schools.
Riley Institute at Furman, 2018
This study of 45 public Montessori schools in South Carolina found that Montessori students met more standards and showed more growth (especially in low-income and Black sub-groups), showed more creativity, and had fewer absences, discipline events and suspensions.
Montessori Education Associated with Child and Adult Wellbeing
Frontiers in Psychology, 2021
This comprehensive survey of nearly 2,000 adults with and without Montessori experience in childhood found that attending Montessori for at least two years was associated with significantly higher adult wellbeing on four factors: general wellbeing, engagement, social trust, and self-confidence.
Montessori—The Science Behind the Genius by Dr. Angeline Lillard
Oxford University Press, 2017
Lillard’s 2017 book is a comprehensive summary of the developmental psychology underpinning the Montessori method.
Research Summaries
- Does it Work? What the Research Says
A two-page summary of Montessori outcomes, with citations. - Annotated Bibliography
A selected bibliography of recent research - Annotated Bibliography by claim
Detailed citations for Montessori outcomes
Research from NCMPS
Research Resources
Research Opportunities
Opportunities to take part in ongoing research projects:
