Waldorf vs. Montessori. What parents should know about the two popular early childhood programs

Both Waldorf and Montessori are long-standing, time-tested educational programs, developed in the early 20th century by Rudolf Steiner and Maria Montessori, respectively. Today, they are among the most popular alternatives to mainstream education.

What are some of the key differences and similarities in Waldorf and Montessori? Here, we compare the Montessori and Waldorf approach to early childhood education to help you decide what method will work best for your child and family.

In a Nutshell
Waldorf preschool and kindergartens aim to promote imagination, creativity, social skills, and cognitive development through storytelling, group activities, a connection with nature, and ample time for unstructured child-centered play.

Montessori early childhood classes use self-directed, self-motivated learning activities to promote cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical development in children.

Similarities Between Waldorf and Montessori Preschools

Here are a few of the many ways that Waldorf and Montessori schools align on early childhood education.

Love of Learning: Though their approach may be different, both Waldorf and Montessori foster a natural curiosity and love of learning in children!
Teacher Training: Waldorf and Montessori schools are run by teachers who are professionally trained in their school’s methodology.
Screen time and media: Both Waldorf and Montessori discourage media and screen time for young children.
Mixed-age classrooms: Montessori early childhood classrooms span three years of age, a practice that continues through elementary school; Waldorf preschool and kindergarten classrooms span two years. After early childhood, Waldorf classrooms are same age.
Child Development: A theory of child development guides the educational program at both Waldorf and Montessori schools, though their theories of development are different.
Focus on the Whole Child: Waldorf and Montessori programs emphasize a holistic approach to education, incorporating the physical, intellectual, and spiritual development of every child.

How Are They Different?

Waldorf is child-centered, Montessori is child-directed: In Waldorf schools, teachers lead group activities, with generous time in the day for imaginative and interactive child-directed free play. In Montessori schools, children select and complete their tasks individually, with learning paced according to their individual skill set and needs.
Core Academics: In a Waldorf school, children learn through play and through guided group work, like songs, storytelling, and movement (learn about the Waldorf approach to math here). Traditional academic work begins in 1st grade. In a Montessori school, children learn practical life skills, everyday tasks, and core academic skills as early as age 3.
Daily Rhythm: Both Waldorf and Montessori schools build the day around a daily rhythm that alternates between complimentary activities, though the focus of the day and its activities differ. Waldorf focuses on a dependable daily routine, with activities that alternate between guided group activities and social free play, with set time for rest and for nourishment. The Montessori day is built around uninterrupted periods of focused individual work, with periods for explorative play, rest, and nourisment.
Imagination vs. Practical Skills. Waldorf education in preschool and kindergarten is play-based (read why here!) and emphasizes imagination, with teacher-led practical tasks (sewing, gardening, folding laundry) built into the day as a compliment to child-led play. Montessori focuses on practical tasks and hands-on work to stimulate curiosity, learning, and skill-building. Children are encouraged to play through practical work and reality-based activities, rather than fantasy and imagination.
Materials & Environment: A hallmark of Montessori are the specially designed materials that encourage a hands-on approach to learning. Decor in the classroom is generally clean and minimal, to encourage independent work. A Waldorf preschool classroom is, by contrast, designed to feel homelike and cozy, with the aim to encourage a feeling of safety and warmth.

Learn More
Both Waldorf and Montessori are complex educational systems based on a holistic concept of child development. We’ve just scratched the surface today! You can learn more about Waldorf early childhood education at the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America and about Montessori education at the American Montessori Society website.

Waldorf vs. Montessori Preschools: What's the Difference?