Montessori vs. Reggio Emilia preschools

Comparing Montessori and Reggio-inspired preschools and daycares

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Below, we compare Montessori to Reggio Emilia-inspired preschools. To learn more about preschool and daycare programs in general, check out our introductory guide.

Montessori preschools

Montessori preschools are child-focused. They put children front and centre.

On the Montessori approach, children have a unique learning path. This means that they should be given an opportunity to learn in their own way. They often choose their own tasks and work at their own pace.

In preschool (Montessori), kids sometimes work by themselves. Often, though, they work in groups. They work with other kids, and teachers only rarely intervene.

Montessori preschools, like all Montessori schools, have mixed-age classrooms. This makes for a lively learning environment, with lots of interaction, collaboration, and child-to-child teaching. 

Reggio Emilia preschools

Reggio preschools provide a supportive and caring learning environment. They have multi-age classrooms, in which children work and interact together. This makes for a dynamic setting.

Children have lots of freedom. Children can choose their own activities and tasks, based on their interests. They also pursue projects based on their unique passions, which they select with help from the teachers. This is referred to as a "co-constructed curriculum."

In Reggio preschools, like all Reggio schools, kids are encouraged to use many modes of expression and different kinds of media, such as painting, sculpting, and drama. This promotes open communication and creativity.

Reggio teachers document children's progress throughout the year. They also post their work all over the classroom, so that both kids and parents can see student progress.

Montessori vs. Reggio Emilia preschools

Main similarities