What Is Montessori Education — And Is It Right for Your Child in Brooklyn?

By Lefferts Gardens Montessori | 5 min read

If you've been searching for schools in Brooklyn, you've probably come across the word "Montessori" more than once. But what does it actually mean — and how do you know if it's the right fit for your child? As a school that has been serving Brooklyn families since 1973, we get these questions from parents every week. This guide will give you honest, clear answers. What is Montessori education?
Montessori is an educational method developed over 100 years ago by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and scientist. After observing how children naturally learn, she built a method around one core idea: children learn best when they are free to follow their curiosity. In a Montessori classroom, children don't sit in rows listening to a teacher lecture. Instead, they move around a carefully prepared environment, choosing activities that match their interests and developmental stage. The teacher — called a "guide" — observes each child closely and steps in to introduce new concepts at just the right moment. The result is children who are self-directed, deeply focused, and genuinely excited about learning. How is Montessori different from a traditional preschool or elementary school?
Here's what most surprises Brooklyn parents visiting us for the first time: Mixed-age classrooms. Our Toddler program serves ages 2–3, our Preschool serves ages 3–6, and our Elementary serves ages 6–10. Older children naturally mentor younger ones, and younger children are inspired by what they see older peers doing. This mirrors how children actually learn in the real world — not in neat age-sorted batches. Child-led learning. Rather than following a fixed daily schedule of "now we do math, now we do reading," children choose their work from a range of activities. Over time, they develop extraordinary focus and the ability to manage their own time — skills that serve them for life.
Hands-on materials. Every concept in a Montessori classroom — from basic counting to complex grammar — is introduced through beautiful, tangible materials before abstract ideas are introduced. Children hold, sort, build, and explore before they read or write about something. No grades, no tests. Progress is tracked by careful teacher observation, not standardized tests. Your child's teacher will know them deeply — their strengths, their areas of growth, and what excites them. Is Montessori right for every child?
Honestly? Montessori thrives with children who are curious, who enjoy hands-on activity, and who benefit from having some choice in their day. That describes most children — but every family is different. Montessori may be an especially good fit if: Your child gets restless sitting still for long periods Your child is curious about how things work You value independence and self-confidence as much as academics You want a school that treats your child as an individual, not a number Some parents worry: "Will my child be ready for a traditional school later?" Research consistently shows that Montessori graduates perform at or above their peers academically, and often stand out for their creativity and ability to work independently. Why choose Lefferts Gardens Montessori?
Brooklyn has several Montessori programs, and we think you should visit all of them before deciding. But here's what makes LGM different: 50+ years in the community. We were founded in 1973 by Lenore G. Briggs, making us one of the longest-running Montessori schools in Brooklyn. Generations of Brooklyn families have passed through our doors — we have alumni who now send their own children to us. Located in the heart of Prospect-Lefferts Gardens. Our school at 527 Rogers Avenue is easy to reach by subway (B/Q/S to Prospect Park; 2/5 to Sterling Street or Winthrop Street), making us a practical choice for families across Brooklyn. American Montessori Society certified. LGM and LGME are proud affiliates of the American Montessori Society (AMS), which ensures our program meets the highest standards of authentic Montessori education. A warm, diverse community. Prospect-Lefferts Gardens is one of Brooklyn's most beautifully diverse neighborhoods, and our school reflects that. We believe learning alongside children from different backgrounds is an education in itself. How to take the next step The best way to understand Montessori — and to know if LGM is the right fit — is to see it in person. We invite you to contact us to schedule a tour. You'll walk through our classrooms while children are working, meet our teachers, and have all your questions answered. 📍 527 Rogers Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225
📞 718-773-0287
🕐 Monday–Friday, 7:45 am – 6 pm

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Lefferts Gardens Montessori has been serving Brooklyn families since 1973. We offer Toddler
(ages 2–3), Preschool (ages 3–6), and Elementary (ages 6–10) programs. We are an affiliate of
the American Montessori Society.