They move from one activity to another, without direction from the teacher. If they get hungry, they can grab a buddy, make themselves a snack and sit down and chat. They have a lot of choice, as long as it's on their work plan. Prince of Peace's Montessori program opened in 1999 with eight children in first through third grades. The program grew to 23 students this year as a fourth-grade class was added.
Plans call for adding a grade level each year through sixth grade.
Montessori is not without its detractors. Critics say the Montessori environment is too rigid and controlled, while others argue it's not rigid enough. The method's heavy focus on academics and cognitive development doesn't always address children's developmental needs, opponents say. But Montessori proponents say its benefits go far beyond academics. When you teach in a traditional setting you downplay a lot of that interaction.