A landmark 2025 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) confirms what Montessori educators have observed for over a century: children in Montessori preschools consistently outperform their peers in traditional programs — and they do it at lower cost.
This is the first nationwide randomized controlled trial of public Montessori education, and the results have major implications for Phoenix families choosing between preschool options.
Quick Answer: What Did the Montessori Study Find?
Researchers from the University of Virginia, University of Pennsylvania, and the American Institutes for Research followed 588 children across 24 public Montessori programs nationwide. By kindergarten, Montessori students scored significantly higher in reading, executive function, short-term memory, and social understanding — while costing $13,000 less per child than conventional programs.
The Key Findings Parents Should Know
1. Stronger Academic Outcomes That Last
Unlike many preschool programs where early gains fade by kindergarten, Montessori students continued to improve relative to their peers over time. This is critical — it means the benefits aren’t temporary. Children who learn through hands-on, self-directed exploration build deeper neural pathways that support lifelong learning.
2. Executive Function and Self-Regulation
Executive function — the ability to focus, plan, and regulate emotions — is the single best predictor of kindergarten readiness. The study found Montessori children significantly outperformed peers in this area. In a Montessori classroom, children choose their own work, manage their time, and navigate social interactions independently. These aren’t just academic skills; they’re life skills.
3. Cost Efficiency Through Mixed-Age Classrooms
Montessori programs cost $13,000 less per child over three years (ages 3–6), largely because of mixed-age classroom structures. At Amici Trilingual Montessori, our mixed-age classrooms mean younger children learn from older peers while older children reinforce their knowledge through teaching — a proven cognitive strategy called the “protégé effect.”
4. Benefits Across All Income Levels
While the strongest effects appeared among children from lower-income families, every demographic group showed positive outcomes. This aligns with Maria Montessori’s original mission: serving underserved communities with dignity and high expectations.
What This Means for Phoenix Families
Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program gives every family access to Montessori education regardless of income. Combined with this research showing Montessori delivers superior outcomes at lower cost, the case for Montessori preschool has never been stronger.
At Amici Trilingual Montessori in Ahwatukee, we combine authentic Montessori methodology with trilingual immersion in Spanish, Mandarin, and English — giving children not just the academic advantages documented in this study, but the cognitive benefits of multilingual development during the critical language-acquisition window (birth to age 6).
How to Evaluate a Montessori Program
Not all programs labeled “Montessori” follow the methodology studied in this research. When evaluating schools, look for:
- AMI or AMS certified teachers with specialized Montessori training
- Mixed-age classrooms spanning a 3-year age range
- Uninterrupted 3-hour work cycles where children choose their activities
- Authentic Montessori materials (not worksheets or screen-based learning)
- Low student-to-teacher ratios that allow individualized observation
Amici Trilingual Montessori meets all of these criteria, serving children from 6 weeks through 2nd grade at our Ahwatukee campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montessori better than traditional preschool?
According to the 2025 PNAS study — the first nationwide randomized trial — yes. Montessori students outperformed traditional preschool peers in reading, memory, executive function, and social understanding by kindergarten. Unlike other programs, these gains did not fade over time.
What age should my child start Montessori?
The study followed children starting at age 3, but Montessori principles apply from birth. Infant and toddler Montessori programs build the foundation for independence, concentration, and language development that produces the outcomes measured in this research.
Does Montessori prepare children for kindergarten?
The research specifically measured kindergarten readiness outcomes and found Montessori children were better prepared than peers in traditional programs — particularly in executive function, which is the strongest predictor of school success.
How much does Montessori preschool cost in Arizona?
Arizona’s ESA program provides families approximately $7,000 per year to use at approved private schools including Montessori programs. Many families combine ESA funds with school payment plans to make Montessori accessible. Contact us to learn about current tuition and ESA eligibility.
Schedule a Tour
See how Montessori education comes to life in a trilingual environment. Schedule a tour at Amici Trilingual Montessori and experience the difference hands-on.
Source: Lillard, A.S., et al. (2025). “Public Montessori Preschool and Children’s School Readiness.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
