Conflicting evidence and assertions, limited empirical research, and methodological
weaknesses in the existing research illustrated the need for further study involving
the effectiveness of Montessori schools. The current study tested the hypothesis that
students attending a Montessori school would demonstrate higher math and language arts achievement compared to magnet and traditional non-magnet school students. Overall, the results were mixed and failed to support the general hypothesis that Montessori students demonstrate superior academic performance. Of the 12 specific contrasts that were tested, students from the Montessori school had significantly higher achievement on 1 contrast, significantly lower achievement on 4 of 12 contrasts, and showed no difference from other schools on 7 of the 12 specific contrasts.