Montessori Compass is proud to offer a sophisticated, comprehensive mapping of the Montessori Scope & Sequence to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts and Mathematics, from Kindergarten through Grade 6. This groundbreaking resource—developed in collaboration with Tim Seldin and the Montessori Foundation—is the first of its kind to align a robust Montessori framework with state-mandated educational benchmarks.

Balancing Montessori Integrity with Real-World Requirements

Although the Common Core remains a controversial subject within the Montessori community—including among leaders like the Montessori Foundation, which does not endorse externally mandated standards—it represents a practical reality for many educators. Our aim was to create a solution that respects the integrity of the Montessori Method while offering schools the tools they need to navigate accountability standards with confidence.

What Makes This Mapping Different

At the heart of this mapping are the clearly defined, measurable learning objectives—or “elements”—that structure our Montessori Scope & Sequence. Rather than loosely associating a Montessori material with a general standard, each mapping connects a specific student activity to its corresponding Common Core objective. The result is a precise, data-informed framework that honors authentic Montessori work while demonstrating compliance with state standards.

This approach offers more than just alignment—it reveals the strengths of the Montessori Method. For instance, the Montessori practice of introducing concepts like squares and square roots in Upper Elementary allows students to meet certain Common Core math standards up to four years earlier than peers in traditional classrooms.

Practical Benefits for Montessori Educators

• Accurate, transparent alignment: See how Montessori lessons map directly to Common Core objectives.
• Cross-curricular coverage: Standards are met through activities across curriculum areas, not just Language and Math.
• Developmentally appropriate pacing: Students working ahead of grade level are accurately reflected in the mapping.

We’re pleased to share sample mappings for Kindergarten, Grade 3, and Grade 6—available to the Montessori community at no cost. Montessori Compass subscribers receive full access to seven years of Common Core mapping, along with cross-grade and cross-curricular integration.

Note: The Montessori Scope & Sequence and CCSS mapping are licensed exclusively for use within the Montessori Compass online record-keeping platform. This content is not available for print or download.

Other Standards

In addition to the Common Core, Montessori Compass is actively developing mappings to other educational standards—including select U.S. state standards, national standards from other countries, and provincial frameworks such as those in Canada. These expansions aim to support Montessori programs operating within diverse regulatory and cultural contexts.

Schools can also incorporate their own custom curriculum and standards mapping within the Montessori Compass platform. This flexibility ensures that educators can meet local compliance requirements while maintaining the integrity of their Montessori practice.