← Back to the blog · May 11, 2026

Why did we choose Montessori and how do we adapt it to online?

When we founded Open Montessori, the question was not whether online education could work, but what pedagogy the children who learn from home deserved. The answer, for us, was always Montessori. Here we explain why and how we bring this century-old methodology to a 100% online format without losing its essence.

What is so special about the Montessori pedagogy?

The pedagogy created by María Montessori more than 100 years ago is based on principles that modern neuroscience has confirmed time and again:

• The child as the protagonist: not a passive recipient of information, but an active being who builds their own learning.
• Respect for the individual pace: each child learns in their own time. There is no pressure to advance at the group's pace, nor a brake on those who go faster.
• Concrete, hands-on learning: before the abstract comes the tangible. Montessori materials allow children to touch, move, build and discover concepts on their own.
• Autonomy and critical thinking: the goal is not for them to repeat, but to think, decide and take responsibility.
• Prepared environment: the surroundings are designed so the child can choose, concentrate and work independently.

Why not a traditional online model?

Most online schools replicate the conventional classroom model: a teacher talking in front of a camera, 30 or more students listening, standardized homework and identical assessments for everyone. It's the same old education, but on a screen.

We believe that if you're going to educate from home, you deserve something better. Montessori allows us to offer a truly personalized education, where each child matters by name, not by list number.

How we adapt Montessori to online

Adapting Montessori to the online format was a challenge we have spent more than six years perfecting. These are the keys to our adaptation:

1. Groups of up to 11 students

In Montessori the bond between Guide and student is fundamental. With small groups, each Guide (Teacher) knows your child by name, pace and interests. Classes are held with cameras and microphones on: there are no passive spectators, there is a real community.

2. Montessori materials sent home

We are the only online school in Chile that sends physical Montessori materials home. The child works with their hands: touching the sandpaper letters, building the pink tower, sorting with the golden beads. The concrete before the abstract, just as María Montessori conceived it.

3. Individualized work plans

Each student has their own offline work plan, designed by their Guide according to their real level (not the class average). This includes hands-on activities, reading, writing, art and practical life that they carry out away from the screen.

4. Balance between screen and offline work

Live classes are only one part of the day. A large part of the learning happens with materials, notebooks and practical life activities: low screen exposure with high educational impact.

5. Our own, safe technology

We created our own platforms — EducaXD and SchoolXD — designed specifically for childhood: no advertising, no social media, with age-appropriate content and integrated family supervision.

6. Comprehensive support

In addition to the Montessori Guides, we have a psychologist for families who supports the emotional and social process of the students and their families. In Montessori, emotional wellbeing is not an extra: it is part of learning.

The result: real Montessori, from anywhere

Our students don't just learn content: they develop autonomy, critical thinking and a love of learning. 100% of those who have taken free exams before Mineduc have passed them, proving that online Montessori pedagogy can be rigorous, human and effective all at once.

Want to see how it works in practice? Schedule your presentation or write to us on WhatsApp.