Goddard Versus Montessori

The first 5 years of a child's life are their most formative. That being said, it is important to find an educational environment that safely supports growth for "the whole child." The process of choosing the right Preschool program for your child can be daunting, draining, and even a bit confusing. To break it down, here is an objective comparison of two consistently popular preschools: Goddard and Montessori.

Overall, the heart of Goddard and Montessori philosophies are strikingly similar. However, the day-to-day structure and educational approaches have slight but impactful differences.

Traditional Montessori schools utilize large amounts of free-exploration time, an emphasis on “real-world” activities, and an aesthetic learning environment with specific learning materials.
The Montessori Method of Education, developed by Italian physician Maria Montessori, is a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children. The method views the child as naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment. It attempts to develop children physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively. Montessori's method has been used for over 100 years in many parts of the world.

As "Montessori" is a philosophy rather than an institution, any school may open under the name without following a particular set of standards. Although a range of practices exist under the name "Montessori", the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and the American Montessori Society (AMS) cite these elements as essential:

• Mixed-age classrooms: classrooms for children ages 2 1⁄2 or 3 to 6 years old are by far the most common, but 0–3, 6–9, 9–12, 12–15, and 15–18-year-old classrooms exist as well
• Student choice of activity from within a prescribed range of options
• Uninterrupted blocks of work time, ideally three hours
• A constructivist or "discovery" model, where students learn concepts from working with materials rather than by direct instruction
• Specialized educational materials developed by Montessori and her collaborators often made out of natural, aesthetic materials such as wood rather than plastic
• Emphasis on day-to-day chores, such as arranging flowers and sweeping
• A thoughtfully prepared environment where materials are organized by subject area
• Freedom within limits

You can expect a more consistent well-balanced educational approach at Goddard schools, with a mixture of hands-on arts, sciences, reading, math, and introductory use of technology.
For more than 30 years, Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), the franchisor of The Goddard School, has been the acknowledged leader in childcare as the largest franchised preschool system. The Goddard School uses current, academically endorsed methods to ensure that children have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life.

The Goddard School’s educational philosophy is completely influenced by current research in early childhood education. As Jean Piaget famously stated, “play is the work of childhood.” Learning through play through the use of engaging, hands-on educational experiences is at the root of every Goddard classroom. Their “F.L.EX.® Learning Program” (Fun Learning Experience) helps children explore and discover their interests in a safe, nurturing environment, and The Goddard School’s Educational Advisory Board, a team of acknowledged experts in various fields of early childhood education, guides the course of study.

The Goddard School’s website outlines its F.L.EX.® Learning Program around the following core values:

• Play and Exploration: Children learn best by doing, which includes playing, working on projects and experiencing the everyday challenges of life.

• Diverse Programming: FLEX curriculum balances educational content with free play, life skills, and an introduction to diverse practices, jobs, sports and hobbies.

• Student Empowerment: The teachers encourage children to make their own choices, to explore their own passions and interests and to bounce back from failure, which is essential to developing integrity of character, executive function and social-emotional intelligence.

• 21st Century Skills: Teachers emphasize both academics and the development of cognitive skills, including communication, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and the executive functions, to help children learn to succeed in diverse environments.

• STEAM and Literacy: The teachers introduce science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and literacy skills so that children become familiar with and passionate about them.

• Quality Questions and Encouragement: The teachers encourage children to explore their environment autonomously and challenge children through open-ended questions.

• Individualization: The teachers meet each child’s individual needs by modifying the curriculum to the developmental level of each child.

• Safety and Security: Each school provides a safe, nurturing environment so that children feel comfortable.

• Research: Programs align with cutting-edge learning research and are modified based on program reviews and student assessments.

• Outdoor Time: By balancing classroom lessons with outdoor activities, the students enjoy the benefits of exploring nature.

• Risk and Failure: Teachers allow children to face risk and overcome failure to develop confidence, resilience, determination and self-awareness.

While the differences between educational philosophies are notable, perhaps the largest determining factor is each individual School’s community and commitment to their philosophy.