An Inly education is based on the Montessori philosophy, which offers many benefits over traditional school settings.

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INLY SCHOOLTRADITIONAL SCHOOLMixed age groupsClass groupings that span two-three years build leadership and collaboration, and connections among teachers, students and parents. Students have the opportunity to advance academically at their own pace, without limits. Learning is never boring!Single age groupStudents are expected to be within the norm of what is average for their grade level. There is no opportunity to advance academically.Student-centeredA carefully prepared environment nurtures curiosity and encourages self-discipline.Adult-centeredThe teacher controls the classroom and enforces discipline.Inquiry-based LearningStudents ask questions, become invested in their learningStandards-based LearningTeachers recite facts and information.Freedom of MovementStudents are free to move around the room to choose where they learn bestStationary SeatingStudents sit at assigned desks for long periods of timeIntrinsic MotivationChild reinforces own learning by internal feelings of success. There is an emphasis on collaboration.External MotivationLearning is reinforced with rewards and punishments. There is an emphasis on competition.Hands-onLearning materials are engaging, meaningful, appeal to the senses, and imitate real lifeDirect InstructionLearning can be rote and uninspiring, with lectures, worksheets and standard textbooks.Individualized LearningLessons are individualized to student needs. Teachers present new material as students progress. Students spot their own errors through feedback and self-correction.Group LearningTeacher recites predetermined lessons to the group with little opportunity for the child to move ahead or receive extra help. The teacher highlights errors in the child’s work, often without explanation.

INLY SCHOOL	TRADITIONAL SCHOOL
Mixed age groups Class groupings that span two-three years build leadership and collaboration, and connections among teachers, students and parents. Students have the opportunity to advance academically at their own pace, without limits. Learning is never boring!	Single age group Students are expected to be within the norm of what is average for their grade level. There is no opportunity to advance academically.
Student-centered A carefully prepared environment nurtures curiosity and encourages self-discipline.	Adult-centered The teacher controls the classroom and enforces discipline.
Inquiry-based Learning Students ask questions, become invested in their learning	Standards-based Learning Teachers recite facts and information.
Freedom of Movement Students are free to move around the room to choose where they learn best	Stationary Seating Students sit at assigned desks for long periods of time
Intrinsic Motivation Child reinforces own learning by internal feelings of success. There is an emphasis on collaboration.	External Motivation Learning is reinforced with rewards and punishments. There is an emphasis on competition.
Hands-on Learning materials are engaging, meaningful, appeal to the senses, and imitate real life	Direct Instruction Learning can be rote and uninspiring, with lectures, worksheets and standard textbooks.
Individualized Learning Lessons are individualized to student needs. Teachers present new material as students progress. Students spot their own errors through feedback and self-correction.	Group Learning Teacher recites predetermined lessons to the group with little opportunity for the child to move ahead or receive extra help. The teacher highlights errors in the child’s work, often without explanation.

The PreK–8 Experience

The PreK–8 Experience

The Inly PreK–8 Experience provides:

Research supports a PreK–8 experience:

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