South Carolina leads the country in the number of Montessori education programs in the public sector, which has generated widespread interest in exploring the method and its impact on students and educators. It is one of the five innovative approaches to public education that the Riley Institute supports.

We are currently engaged in a multi-state study funded by the Brady Education Foundation that seeks to understand how Montessori impacts students of color and low-income students. Prior research conducted by the Institute includes a multi-year, statewide study funded by the Self Family Foundation examining how Montessori impacts different subgroups of students and a study funded by the American Montessori Society exploring teacher satisfaction and retention among Montessori public school teachers.

Read reports from our Montessori studies

See press coverage

What is Montessori education?

The Montessori method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over 100 years ago, is a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood. Necessary components include multiage groupings that foster peer learning, uninterrupted blocks of work time to develop concentration, and guided choice of work activities using specific Montessori materials and lessons to inspire interest.

Contact us to learn more about the Institute’s Montessori research efforts.