A Note From Kaltun: Why I Still Believe in Montessori
By Kaltun Jama | October 12, 2026
After many years of leading Montessori School of Chantilly and working with children, families, and educators in Virginia and Minnesota, I still believe strongly in Montessori education.
One of the reasons is that Montessori is intentional.
In my experience, Montessori often attracts educators who see themselves as more than caregivers. They see themselves as guides. They understand that the way they prepare the classroom, speak to a child, introduce a lesson, and even know when to step back can make a difference in that child’s development.
Authentic Montessori education also places great importance on teacher preparation and training. A Montessori teacher observes each child, carefully prepares the learning environment, introduces lessons, and then gives children the opportunity to practice, explore, and develop mastery.
This is one of the things I love most about Montessori.
In a well-prepared Montessori classroom, children are given choices. They can select meaningful work, concentrate without being rushed from one activity to another, and have enough time to practice until they are ready to move forward.
Even simple parts of the day can become learning opportunities. Choosing their work, eating a snack at their own pace, cleaning up after themselves, caring for their classroom, and helping a friend all encourage independence and responsibility.
The goal is bigger than academics.
We want children who can think, make choices, solve problems, show kindness, take responsibility, and eventually become leaders in their own lives.
Research on Montessori education is encouraging as well. Studies have found positive outcomes in areas including academic achievement, social understanding, mastery orientation, and children’s enjoyment of learning.
At Montessori School of Chantilly, whether at our schools in Chantilly, Virginia, or Blaine, Minnesota, our goal is to create a prepared environment where children can develop independence, confidence, kindness, and a genuine love of learning.
After all these years, that is why I still believe in Montessori. It isn’t simply about the materials on the shelves. It’s about the child we are helping to develop.
— Kaltun Jama
Supporting Research & Further Reading
American Montessori Society — Core Components of Montessori Education
American Montessori Society — Early Childhood Programs
Association Montessori Internationale — Prepared Environment
Lillard et al. (2017) — Montessori Preschool Elevates and Equalizes Child Outcomes
