Asserts that charter schools provide unique and rich opportunities for Montessori educators to influence public education. Notes obstacles to establishing Montessori charter schools related to loss of funding for the local school district, the difficulty of Montessori teachers obtaining state certification, testing requirements to show student…

Details a survey study examining the operation of 29 Montessori charter schools in 9 states. Reports findings related to the school population, founding and governance, funding, facilities, mission, special features of the program, student achievement, primary benefits or advantages, constraints or problems, and assistance the programs would like…

Describes the experience of two Montessori teachers working together to develop a Montessori charter school in Florida serving children from preschool through sixth grade. Focuses on the proposal submission, the importance of key state level supporters, documentation of their preparation, and proof of the financial ability to start the school.…

Describes the organization and development of the first charter school in 1991, a Montessori school serving 2.5- to 6-year-olds located in Minnesota. Focuses on how the charter was written to meet the legislative requirements and maintain the integrity of the Montessori program. (KB)

Examined Montessori middle-school students', parents', and teachers' priorities for success in five areas (achievement, self-discipline, personal integrity, responsible citizenship, and enjoyment of work) and extent to which these were present in the classroom. Found significant differences in perceptions among the three groups in each school type…