Parents often worry about the standards achieved by children in a Montessori environment, where they are allowed to work at their own pace. It is true that, in any Montessori classroom, children will be working at different levels. However, they do reach an overall standard by the time they are 7+ years old. Between 6.5 and 7.5 they are better able to cope with class teaching and the pressures of learning tables, etc. At a younger age uniformity of standards can seem to inhibit confidence and lessen their enjoyment. [read more]