Montessori Schools and Racial Segregation: A Comparative Study Across School Sectors

• In Event: Issues of Race and Access in Montessori Education

Abstract

In this study, we explore the relationship between Montessori education and racial segregation in schools. Leveraging data from diverse sources and using the Urban Institute’s Segregation Contribution Index as a measure of segregation, we analyze two main research questions: how Montessori schools impact racial segregation within their communities, and how this varies by school sector. Our findings suggest that Montessori schools, on average, contribute more to racial segregation within their school districts than non-Montessori schools. Specifically, private Montessori schools were found to contribute to school segregation more than their traditional private school peers. These insights provide a nuanced understanding of Montessori education's role in school segregation, informing future efforts toward increasing racial integration.

Authors

• David J. Fleming, Furman University

• TJ Robertson, Furman University