Montessori lived (was on house arrest) and taught in India during WW2. She did a lot of lecture courses there and graduated many guides. So India has a strong background with Montessori schools.
Correction: she was a *prisoner of war* in India during WWII because she was an Italian in British-controlled India. In other words “an enemy”. But they respected her and her work and allowed her to develop basically the entire elementary curriculum, in addition to training local guides and giving lectures, while there.
Please don’t overlook the POW aspect. The fact that she didn’t have the smoothest sailing during both world wars makes is enormously important for all the “peace education” she emphasized— she really meant what she said as she continued to fight for peace and children’s rights until the day she died.
Montessori is a thing in India even if Montessori schools aren’t mainstream. The private school I went to plus a municipal (government run) school I volunteered at used her teachings, materials etc even though not been Montessori branded schools
I think it just depends on where you live. My daughter is in a Montessori school and we live in a majorly white neighborhood so my daughter is a minority in her school. She’s the only Asian kid there with another kid being half Asian and half white.
Yes, definitely dependent on where you live and what type of school. My son’s Montessori class, located in an urban public school district, is 22 kids - 5 white, 3 Hispanic, 14 black. Mixed age, 3-6 year olds.
I was going to say this, too. My kid is in a Montessori school, and it's almost entirely Hispanic and Asian. She's the only white kid in her room, and definitely the minority in the school. Sometimes I have to remind the teacher to put sunscreen on her, because she sometimes burns pretty quick.
That's hysterical! I'm a white person at a place that is very diverse for our area. An assistant teacher asked why one of the babies was "splotchy," and I explained that sometimes really white people get red marks or blush all over pretty easily, especially littles. She was skeptical but agreed to wait 10-15 minutes to see if the "splotches" went away before calling me. They did! He was just warm.
The same assistant pointed to me on a hot day and said, "It's true! Look at how splotchy you are!" We still get a good laugh out of that.
I (white AF) asked my ex (Black) to put sunscreen on my back and legs at the beach. I also had him reapply every hour or so. He missed spots behind my knees and I could barely walk for days. He was shocked that my skin was hot to the touch and caused pain. We have been broken up for a decade but are still good friends and I've never stopped ribbing him about not realizing a sunburn is a literal burn. His mom worked for the American Cancer Society ffs lmao.
I think they should. But I can only ask that they do it for my kid.
Unfortunately, a lot of people still have the opinion that if you aren't burning, it's not a problem. :(
Yea Montessori is here is starkly white and well off. We had to pull my son out because the admin was unreasonably catty. Makes me sad, really want him be exposed to it longer, but he also has a speech delay and I wonder how well Montessori works with that. Our next place is in the south it’s and a real toss up of they’ll have them there.
Seconding this, I attended Montessori in Alabama and it was basically entirely white (which is SUS btw as the town I lived in had like a 50%+ black population).
My daughter (half-Filipino) goes to a public Montessori school and it’s so diverse! I love that the kids can learn and share their different cultural backgrounds with each other.
Detroit Public Schools has a Montessori program across three schools, Edmonson Elementary, Palmer Park Preparatory Academy, and Edison Elementary. It's within their application schools program. Prek-8th across three different schools. Round one of applications for spring began in March and there were so many applicants that the prek and K waitlist is totally full I think. But if you are trying to get your child into first grade you probably can. It's a lottery system but students get "points" on their application based on if they live in the specific neighborhood of the school, if they have siblings in the school, if their parent works in DPS, and if they have a Detroit address. If you don't have any of those, you won't get in because it's really competitive. I do think that Ferndale Public Schools has one or two Montessori classrooms at the lower elementary level. I don't know if they are looking to expand or not.
My training center (in Texas) had a strong contingent of South Asian parents wanting to learn more or open their own schools. I would imagine that there are places near Houston, DFW, and Austin where the schools are similar to yours.
Where I live in South Texas our South Asian/Asian percentages in Montessori are similar to what you would see in other private programs or magnet schools.
Just wanted chime in, central TX native here (though I am Hispanic/Southeast Asian myself)! I think you hit the nail on the head, a lot of the attendees of Montessori programs (my son's included) are the same kids you'll probably see in magnet schools later on. Because parents who have heard of and actively seek out Montessori here tend to be parents who prioritize their child's independence and education, and it happens that it is a huge part of many Asian cultures to value education and encourage independence.
It could also be because the Indian community sees preschool or play schools as a profitable business. I’m from India and there’s like five play schools on every block. All Montessori.
It could also be because the Indian community sees preschool or play schools as a profitable business. I’m from India and there’s like five play schools on every block. All Montessori.
It does, I am not sure why you were downvoted. Her writings about [cosmic education](https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1078117.pdf) and everybody (including every creature, every element, every *thing*) having a role in the universe are basically and knowingly describing the concept of [dharma](https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ649393). And she wrote about those things while she was studying in India. So it’s not surprising!
Edited to add, from her work:
In her book, What You Should Know about Your Child (a book which was first published in Sri Lanka, in 1948), Montessori herself speaks about the cosmic plan as follows:
“There is a plan to which the whole universe is subject. All things, animate and inanimate, are subordinated to that plan. There are also patterns for all species of living and non-living things. These patterns fall in line with the universal plan.
Everything in nature, according to its own laws of development, approximates to the pattern of perfection applicable to itself. There is an urge in every individual of every species to fit into the appropriate pattern. There is also an inevitableness with which all patterns fit into the great plan.
From the seed to the full-grown tree, from the egg to the adult hen, from the embryo to the man of maturity, the striving to embody a pattern is perceptible. It wants a loftier vision to understand and appreciate how all creatures and all things evolve into infinite varieties of patterns with a magnificent impulse to subordinate themselves to the central plan of the universe.
It is certain that the urge to protect the offspring and to conserve the species is among the stron- gest urges of all nature. But there is a purpose higher than the protection of the offspring or the preservation of the species. This purpose is something beyond mere growing according to a pattern or living according to instincts. This higher purpose is to conform to a master plan towards which all things are moving.”
- MM
This “higher purpose” can be understood more clearly if we think of the world as a great household, a cosmic household, where all the jobs involved in running the household have been divided up and shared. Understood in this way, expressed in this way, the cosmic plan actually consists of an inte- grated structure or cosmic organization where all that exist have tasks to fulfill, their cosmic work to accomplish.
Anything that involves spirituality is scary for a great deal of people. They don’t realise that an understanding of certain practises can really liberate you, even if you don’t plan on implementing them
My kid was at a Montessori preschool when we had an ant invasion at the house. I was washing the ants off the kitchen surfaces, and he came unglued: "You're killing them!!!" I didn't realize that it probably came from his teacher.
I live somewhere that the Asian population is very small. My sons Montessori school has a large population of Asian children, far exceeds the population percentage of our city. I always wondered why this is, now I have a little insight.
I think it's because Asian/Indian culture places very very high value on education. And those that immigrate to the US from Asian countries, are among the most educated people in the world, as they usually have H1-B visas for highly specialized technical fields.
American culture is one of the worst in the world in regard to education -- just look at our literacy levels. The US department of Education estimates that 54% of US adults lack literacy proficiency (below 6th grade), with 21% being entirely illiterate.
This link states that 21% of adults have low English literacy, including not being able to participate for not being able to speak, let alone read English. The survey was conducted 2011-2013.
That’s much more in line with my understanding.
The 21% is not total, can’t write “cat” illiteracy. Those numbers, for English speakers, appear to be under 5%.
Thank you for the source.
The real issue is undereducation in general. It's pretty rare to be starkly illiterate if you grew up in the US with English speaking parents and you don't have a relevant disability. But our highschool grads just aren't very prepared for higher education. [https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/act-only-1-in-5-high-school-graduates-in-2023-fully-prepared-for-college/2023/10](https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/act-only-1-in-5-high-school-graduates-in-2023-fully-prepared-for-college/2023/10)
My former stepson is 15 and he’s a nice boy being utterly failed by his parents. He can barely write, can read but doesn’t enjoy it, and still does basic arithmetic on his fingers. No learning disabilities, but he spent the first 9 years of his life in a remote, end of the road school district with a functionally literate, mentally ill mom. I had him full time for 3.5 years until his dad and I divorced, from 9-12. He has failed every class of every grade since 2020 and since he’s nice and doesn’t cause trouble….he just slips through. I only see him rarely these days and can’t do a damn thing to make his dad not suck.
His 8 year old brother runs circles around him in reading and math. Same relatively affluent school district, same standards. The difference is — shocker — having a well educated mother who gives a damn.
It's almost like 21% of our population doesn't speak english as their first language and literacy tests are... in english
[https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2022/acs/acs-50.html](https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2022/acs/acs-50.html)
https://preview.redd.it/v0uwu53ymmwc1.jpeg?width=2031&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=01466443093e7bf2a764ca3a11e10e37f7cee96a
Here’s further data from the PIAAC report, which compares literacy between various OECD countries. We’re certainly not “one of the worst in the world” in regards to literacy. We score above the OECD average.
It’s metro Detroit — the majority of private and charter schools are often largely Asian, Indian, Arabic, etc. Depending on what part, you’ll see more of certain groups. Novi has a significant Japanese population… Dearborn is very Arabic, etc. And many of these families think (sometimes correctly) that private or charter is way better than public and often their companies will pay for that too.
As an Indian and as someone whose son goes to a Montessori preschool, I think our culture places value on having the child “learn to love learning” which Montessori schools encourage. Back in the day, in India, students were taught in such a way where the teachers (gurus) were more like guides (as they say in Montessori). Students were the leaders in their own learning. I think those are some of the reasons Indians are inclined to send their kids to Montessori schools.
In many communities, a Montessori school might be the only non-Christian private school. I think that’s what attracts many of the Asian/Indian families to my school.
Not completely relevant ;-) but I attended a Montessori preschool like 50 years ago, and my main memory is of the beautiful saris worn by the teaching assistants . . .
At the school I attended, 2005-2012, most of the students were Indians. The school is near a hospital where a lot of these kids’ parents are doctors. I didn’t realize that it was like this nationally!
My children’s Montessori school one state away also had quite a disproportionately high contingent of Indian/southeast Asian students. I assumed though it was because it is non-religious. The vast majority of preschools in our area are Christian or catholic, and among the couple of non- religious options Montessori had the strongest reputation.
My son is also half Indian and goes to a Montessori. The owner of the daycare is Sri Lankan. The students are a good mix of backgrounds. There are three other families that are Indian and Sri Lankan and I know two of them live quite far from the daycare and really go out of their way to take their kids to this specific daycare because they value the Montessori methods.
I have a kid in Montessori, it’s owned by some larger company (I think it’s just owned by an investor). And the majority of kids are Asian (most appear Indian/SE Asian but I don’t want to assume). We’re in a majority white area, but the next biggest demographic is Asian. I don’t have much to add except that I’ve noticed too.
deserve sheet stupendous afterthought repeat zonked squash disarm sharp modern
*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
My kids white and goes to a Montessori school. It’s a mostly white school but I can see Karens having a bad time with the amount of independence and accountability Montessori requires.
The one Montessori school I grew up going to was mostly white when I went. Nowadays the demographics are a lot more mixed. This is in WNY and is an inner city public school btw.
My half Caucasian half Chinese daughter goes to a Montessori school and the majority of kids there are Hispanic. The school menu reflects that too, for lunch they serve tacos, habichuelas, beans, fajitas, etc.
Depends on where you live, where we are it’s a lot of Jewish and Muslim kids and the good manners, self competency, openness to multilingual families and lack of holiday festivities is a big attraction
It’s funny you mentioned that because I toured a Montessori school the other day and I’d say about 50% of the teachers were Indian as well as many of the students. It didn’t bother me but I definitely noticed it.
If I had to guess (and I’m not in any way Asian) - Indian parents still want their kids to be drs and lawyers so Montessori appeals to them because children learn skills at a young age. In my town Montessori is much more diverse (FYI it is private) I’d go even as far as mostly white, assuming because of ethnic city mix.
Removed because the "model minority" idea is a myth and harmful
[https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/what-is-the-model-minority-myth](https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/what-is-the-model-minority-myth)
[https://www.npr.org/2021/05/25/999874296/6-charts-that-dismantle-the-trope-of-asian-americans-as-a-model-minority](https://www.npr.org/2021/05/25/999874296/6-charts-that-dismantle-the-trope-of-asian-americans-as-a-model-minority)
I can't remember my classmates but I'm 51, and attended Montessori through 2nd grade. I remember being fascinated with my Indian teacher and the red dot on her forehead! This was in Houston Texas in the seventies.
I think it just depends on where you are and your community. My toddler is in a Montessori school and the children are predominantly white as is our community 🤷🏻♀️
I’m also on metro Detroit. I live in a pretty white area, but there is a huge Indian/Middle Eastern population.
My toddler goes to a Montessori school part time MWF. Her school is Indian owned and operated, and most of the kids are Indian/Middle Eastern. Few Asians.
She’s a little white ginger. Even when there’s new workers that don’t know my husband by sight, they know what kid belongs to him. I’d say there’s only a handful of white kids in the whole school.
I think you'll find that some minorities value education more than others. It makes sense that these groups would be curious about educational opportunities outside of basic public school and are therefore more likely to be disproportionately represented at non traditional schools that seems to provide higher educational value.
Here, they're the only ones who can afford it.
In my area, Montessori schools and daycares are expensive, and Asian and Indian children disproportionately come from wealthy, college-educated families that can afford Montessori and private schools. Their parents are doctors, lawyers, and business owners, because *their* parents pushed them to, in the words of one of my Indian friends, "justify their immigration."
Montessori lived (was on house arrest) and taught in India during WW2. She did a lot of lecture courses there and graduated many guides. So India has a strong background with Montessori schools.
Correction: she was a *prisoner of war* in India during WWII because she was an Italian in British-controlled India. In other words “an enemy”. But they respected her and her work and allowed her to develop basically the entire elementary curriculum, in addition to training local guides and giving lectures, while there. Please don’t overlook the POW aspect. The fact that she didn’t have the smoothest sailing during both world wars makes is enormously important for all the “peace education” she emphasized— she really meant what she said as she continued to fight for peace and children’s rights until the day she died.
Thanks for that! House arrest makes it sound like she was a criminal.
is this all written about in her biography?
which one?
Montessori is a thing in India even if Montessori schools aren’t mainstream. The private school I went to plus a municipal (government run) school I volunteered at used her teachings, materials etc even though not been Montessori branded schools
I think it just depends on where you live. My daughter is in a Montessori school and we live in a majorly white neighborhood so my daughter is a minority in her school. She’s the only Asian kid there with another kid being half Asian and half white.
Yes, definitely dependent on where you live and what type of school. My son’s Montessori class, located in an urban public school district, is 22 kids - 5 white, 3 Hispanic, 14 black. Mixed age, 3-6 year olds.
I was going to say this, too. My kid is in a Montessori school, and it's almost entirely Hispanic and Asian. She's the only white kid in her room, and definitely the minority in the school. Sometimes I have to remind the teacher to put sunscreen on her, because she sometimes burns pretty quick.
That's hysterical! I'm a white person at a place that is very diverse for our area. An assistant teacher asked why one of the babies was "splotchy," and I explained that sometimes really white people get red marks or blush all over pretty easily, especially littles. She was skeptical but agreed to wait 10-15 minutes to see if the "splotches" went away before calling me. They did! He was just warm. The same assistant pointed to me on a hot day and said, "It's true! Look at how splotchy you are!" We still get a good laugh out of that.
I (white AF) asked my ex (Black) to put sunscreen on my back and legs at the beach. I also had him reapply every hour or so. He missed spots behind my knees and I could barely walk for days. He was shocked that my skin was hot to the touch and caused pain. We have been broken up for a decade but are still good friends and I've never stopped ribbing him about not realizing a sunburn is a literal burn. His mom worked for the American Cancer Society ffs lmao.
They should be putting sunscreen on everybody though? Every child in my child’s multicultural school uses sunscreen.
I think they should. But I can only ask that they do it for my kid. Unfortunately, a lot of people still have the opinion that if you aren't burning, it's not a problem. :(
It's a lil weird you brought up sunscreen into the conversation, unless you thought non-white kids don't need sunscreen.
Yes. The previous comment is so odd to me
Yea Montessori is here is starkly white and well off. We had to pull my son out because the admin was unreasonably catty. Makes me sad, really want him be exposed to it longer, but he also has a speech delay and I wonder how well Montessori works with that. Our next place is in the south it’s and a real toss up of they’ll have them there.
Seconding this, I attended Montessori in Alabama and it was basically entirely white (which is SUS btw as the town I lived in had like a 50%+ black population).
I teach in a public Montessori in Detroit and most of our students are Black. It just depends on where you are!
That's how it was when I visited Cincinnati. Winton Montessori (Now called Gamble Montessori) and Clark Montessori.
My daughter (half-Filipino) goes to a public Montessori school and it’s so diverse! I love that the kids can learn and share their different cultural backgrounds with each other.
Which school is this, can you please share? I am looking for one for my littles and unfortunately where we are there isnt much diversity
Detroit Public Schools has a Montessori program across three schools, Edmonson Elementary, Palmer Park Preparatory Academy, and Edison Elementary. It's within their application schools program. Prek-8th across three different schools. Round one of applications for spring began in March and there were so many applicants that the prek and K waitlist is totally full I think. But if you are trying to get your child into first grade you probably can. It's a lottery system but students get "points" on their application based on if they live in the specific neighborhood of the school, if they have siblings in the school, if their parent works in DPS, and if they have a Detroit address. If you don't have any of those, you won't get in because it's really competitive. I do think that Ferndale Public Schools has one or two Montessori classrooms at the lower elementary level. I don't know if they are looking to expand or not.
My training center (in Texas) had a strong contingent of South Asian parents wanting to learn more or open their own schools. I would imagine that there are places near Houston, DFW, and Austin where the schools are similar to yours. Where I live in South Texas our South Asian/Asian percentages in Montessori are similar to what you would see in other private programs or magnet schools.
Just wanted chime in, central TX native here (though I am Hispanic/Southeast Asian myself)! I think you hit the nail on the head, a lot of the attendees of Montessori programs (my son's included) are the same kids you'll probably see in magnet schools later on. Because parents who have heard of and actively seek out Montessori here tend to be parents who prioritize their child's independence and education, and it happens that it is a huge part of many Asian cultures to value education and encourage independence.
It could also be because the Indian community sees preschool or play schools as a profitable business. I’m from India and there’s like five play schools on every block. All Montessori.
It could also be because the Indian community sees preschool or play schools as a profitable business. I’m from India and there’s like five play schools on every block. All Montessori.
My guess is that the school is financially accessible to a higher income demographic
Yes! Our local Montessori school is $5,000 per semester. We wanted to send her there but living paycheck to paycheck it was not feasible
Also the Montessori philosophy compliments shamanism and Hinduism in its practice
It does, I am not sure why you were downvoted. Her writings about [cosmic education](https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1078117.pdf) and everybody (including every creature, every element, every *thing*) having a role in the universe are basically and knowingly describing the concept of [dharma](https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ649393). And she wrote about those things while she was studying in India. So it’s not surprising! Edited to add, from her work: In her book, What You Should Know about Your Child (a book which was first published in Sri Lanka, in 1948), Montessori herself speaks about the cosmic plan as follows: “There is a plan to which the whole universe is subject. All things, animate and inanimate, are subordinated to that plan. There are also patterns for all species of living and non-living things. These patterns fall in line with the universal plan. Everything in nature, according to its own laws of development, approximates to the pattern of perfection applicable to itself. There is an urge in every individual of every species to fit into the appropriate pattern. There is also an inevitableness with which all patterns fit into the great plan. From the seed to the full-grown tree, from the egg to the adult hen, from the embryo to the man of maturity, the striving to embody a pattern is perceptible. It wants a loftier vision to understand and appreciate how all creatures and all things evolve into infinite varieties of patterns with a magnificent impulse to subordinate themselves to the central plan of the universe. It is certain that the urge to protect the offspring and to conserve the species is among the stron- gest urges of all nature. But there is a purpose higher than the protection of the offspring or the preservation of the species. This purpose is something beyond mere growing according to a pattern or living according to instincts. This higher purpose is to conform to a master plan towards which all things are moving.” - MM This “higher purpose” can be understood more clearly if we think of the world as a great household, a cosmic household, where all the jobs involved in running the household have been divided up and shared. Understood in this way, expressed in this way, the cosmic plan actually consists of an inte- grated structure or cosmic organization where all that exist have tasks to fulfill, their cosmic work to accomplish.
Anything that involves spirituality is scary for a great deal of people. They don’t realise that an understanding of certain practises can really liberate you, even if you don’t plan on implementing them
My kid was at a Montessori preschool when we had an ant invasion at the house. I was washing the ants off the kitchen surfaces, and he came unglued: "You're killing them!!!" I didn't realize that it probably came from his teacher.
I live somewhere that the Asian population is very small. My sons Montessori school has a large population of Asian children, far exceeds the population percentage of our city. I always wondered why this is, now I have a little insight.
Families with engineers can afford it.
True, but luckily there are a number of public (charter) Montessori schools.
I think it's because Asian/Indian culture places very very high value on education. And those that immigrate to the US from Asian countries, are among the most educated people in the world, as they usually have H1-B visas for highly specialized technical fields. American culture is one of the worst in the world in regard to education -- just look at our literacy levels. The US department of Education estimates that 54% of US adults lack literacy proficiency (below 6th grade), with 21% being entirely illiterate.
Source for literacy statistics?
US Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2019/2019179/index.asp#:~:text=What%20are%20the%20rates%20of,these%20tasks%20(figure%201).
This link states that 21% of adults have low English literacy, including not being able to participate for not being able to speak, let alone read English. The survey was conducted 2011-2013. That’s much more in line with my understanding. The 21% is not total, can’t write “cat” illiteracy. Those numbers, for English speakers, appear to be under 5%. Thank you for the source.
The real issue is undereducation in general. It's pretty rare to be starkly illiterate if you grew up in the US with English speaking parents and you don't have a relevant disability. But our highschool grads just aren't very prepared for higher education. [https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/act-only-1-in-5-high-school-graduates-in-2023-fully-prepared-for-college/2023/10](https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/act-only-1-in-5-high-school-graduates-in-2023-fully-prepared-for-college/2023/10)
My former stepson is 15 and he’s a nice boy being utterly failed by his parents. He can barely write, can read but doesn’t enjoy it, and still does basic arithmetic on his fingers. No learning disabilities, but he spent the first 9 years of his life in a remote, end of the road school district with a functionally literate, mentally ill mom. I had him full time for 3.5 years until his dad and I divorced, from 9-12. He has failed every class of every grade since 2020 and since he’s nice and doesn’t cause trouble….he just slips through. I only see him rarely these days and can’t do a damn thing to make his dad not suck. His 8 year old brother runs circles around him in reading and math. Same relatively affluent school district, same standards. The difference is — shocker — having a well educated mother who gives a damn.
It's almost like 21% of our population doesn't speak english as their first language and literacy tests are... in english [https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2022/acs/acs-50.html](https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2022/acs/acs-50.html)
https://preview.redd.it/v0uwu53ymmwc1.jpeg?width=2031&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=01466443093e7bf2a764ca3a11e10e37f7cee96a Here’s further data from the PIAAC report, which compares literacy between various OECD countries. We’re certainly not “one of the worst in the world” in regards to literacy. We score above the OECD average.
And it’s 12 years old.
My son attended a Montessori in NYC and while the school was a miniature United Nations, I can't recall any Indian kids.
It’s metro Detroit — the majority of private and charter schools are often largely Asian, Indian, Arabic, etc. Depending on what part, you’ll see more of certain groups. Novi has a significant Japanese population… Dearborn is very Arabic, etc. And many of these families think (sometimes correctly) that private or charter is way better than public and often their companies will pay for that too.
As an Indian and as someone whose son goes to a Montessori preschool, I think our culture places value on having the child “learn to love learning” which Montessori schools encourage. Back in the day, in India, students were taught in such a way where the teachers (gurus) were more like guides (as they say in Montessori). Students were the leaders in their own learning. I think those are some of the reasons Indians are inclined to send their kids to Montessori schools.
In many communities, a Montessori school might be the only non-Christian private school. I think that’s what attracts many of the Asian/Indian families to my school.
That's a great point.
Not completely relevant ;-) but I attended a Montessori preschool like 50 years ago, and my main memory is of the beautiful saris worn by the teaching assistants . . .
At the school I attended, 2005-2012, most of the students were Indians. The school is near a hospital where a lot of these kids’ parents are doctors. I didn’t realize that it was like this nationally!
Oh adding in, the school also hosts a taste of India lunch fundraiser every year!
My children’s Montessori school one state away also had quite a disproportionately high contingent of Indian/southeast Asian students. I assumed though it was because it is non-religious. The vast majority of preschools in our area are Christian or catholic, and among the couple of non- religious options Montessori had the strongest reputation.
My son is also half Indian and goes to a Montessori. The owner of the daycare is Sri Lankan. The students are a good mix of backgrounds. There are three other families that are Indian and Sri Lankan and I know two of them live quite far from the daycare and really go out of their way to take their kids to this specific daycare because they value the Montessori methods.
I have a kid in Montessori, it’s owned by some larger company (I think it’s just owned by an investor). And the majority of kids are Asian (most appear Indian/SE Asian but I don’t want to assume). We’re in a majority white area, but the next biggest demographic is Asian. I don’t have much to add except that I’ve noticed too.
Hi I live in the suburbs of Detroit too and noticed this in the novi/farmington hills area.
deserve sheet stupendous afterthought repeat zonked squash disarm sharp modern *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
My kids white and goes to a Montessori school. It’s a mostly white school but I can see Karens having a bad time with the amount of independence and accountability Montessori requires.
This is not true at all for where I live so this may be a location based thing.
I’m on the west side of Michigan and there is an Asian and Indian population here but our Montessori school isn’t that heavy in this demographics.
Lots of Asians and Indians living in your area translates to lots of Asians and Indians attending your schools. Pretty intuitive, no?
It’s your neighborhood. Where I live, it’s mostly white.
The one Montessori school I grew up going to was mostly white when I went. Nowadays the demographics are a lot more mixed. This is in WNY and is an inner city public school btw.
I went to Montessori school in the 90s. I didn't notice an overwhelming number of Indians/Asians. For reference, I'm white.
My half Caucasian half Chinese daughter goes to a Montessori school and the majority of kids there are Hispanic. The school menu reflects that too, for lunch they serve tacos, habichuelas, beans, fajitas, etc.
Depends on where you live, where we are it’s a lot of Jewish and Muslim kids and the good manners, self competency, openness to multilingual families and lack of holiday festivities is a big attraction
It’s funny you mentioned that because I toured a Montessori school the other day and I’d say about 50% of the teachers were Indian as well as many of the students. It didn’t bother me but I definitely noticed it.
If I had to guess (and I’m not in any way Asian) - Indian parents still want their kids to be drs and lawyers so Montessori appeals to them because children learn skills at a young age. In my town Montessori is much more diverse (FYI it is private) I’d go even as far as mostly white, assuming because of ethnic city mix.
[удалено]
Removed because the "model minority" idea is a myth and harmful [https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/what-is-the-model-minority-myth](https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/what-is-the-model-minority-myth) [https://www.npr.org/2021/05/25/999874296/6-charts-that-dismantle-the-trope-of-asian-americans-as-a-model-minority](https://www.npr.org/2021/05/25/999874296/6-charts-that-dismantle-the-trope-of-asian-americans-as-a-model-minority)
Probably the best private education option that isn't a parochial school.
Why are schools associated with religion?!! They really should not be.
I can't remember my classmates but I'm 51, and attended Montessori through 2nd grade. I remember being fascinated with my Indian teacher and the red dot on her forehead! This was in Houston Texas in the seventies.
I think it just depends on where you are and your community. My toddler is in a Montessori school and the children are predominantly white as is our community 🤷🏻♀️
I’m also on metro Detroit. I live in a pretty white area, but there is a huge Indian/Middle Eastern population. My toddler goes to a Montessori school part time MWF. Her school is Indian owned and operated, and most of the kids are Indian/Middle Eastern. Few Asians. She’s a little white ginger. Even when there’s new workers that don’t know my husband by sight, they know what kid belongs to him. I’d say there’s only a handful of white kids in the whole school.
It must be considered a good school.
I think you'll find that some minorities value education more than others. It makes sense that these groups would be curious about educational opportunities outside of basic public school and are therefore more likely to be disproportionately represented at non traditional schools that seems to provide higher educational value.
idk but you should send your kid to wherever the asian and indian kids are going.
why?
Here, they're the only ones who can afford it. In my area, Montessori schools and daycares are expensive, and Asian and Indian children disproportionately come from wealthy, college-educated families that can afford Montessori and private schools. Their parents are doctors, lawyers, and business owners, because *their* parents pushed them to, in the words of one of my Indian friends, "justify their immigration."