A quixotic, idealistic-but-not-representative-of-truth, educational style in which underachieving children are allowed to define their own curriculum.
These children typically do not receive homework or other supplemental study aids of a challenging nature, because it would, of course, disrupt their mental state and disturb them emotionally.
Since, in turn they, are 'allowed' and encouraged to work at their own lackadaisical pace, they, of course, study their materials as hard as they possibly can.
Montessori does not "push" academics, but rather lets children play and recognizes that at the ages of 4, or 5, or 7, or 12, kids are still developing their creativity, imagination, and mental capacity to recognize when things are too difficult. Also, teachers help the students grow by forming 1-on-1, nonsexual relationships 7hrs/day for 3 years, because the alternative is stressful and can lead to an increase in the rate of suicide.
They are also exposed to situations in which they can improve their ability to socialize and be a constructive member of society. In small classes of 5 to 25 students, these kids develop their social skills by delving deeper into personal, meaningful relationships than in those gross, nasty public schools with 300+ kids per grade!
Many attend college too! Not only do they often skip Junior College, but they go to an amazing repertoire of colleges, ranging from your local community college to ITT-Tech, University of Pheonix, or even DeVry!
Billy: I'm the valedictorian of my Montessori school!
Joe: Wow. What'd you get on the SAT?
Billy: A whopping 1350 out of 2400.
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