The Montessori Method has been growing in popularity in the United States for several decades. This unique approach to education inspires a love of learning while fostering independence, creative thinking, character development, and self-esteem. Montessori schools can now be found almost worldwide, and they have produced some remarkably influential individuals.
Tech Giants
Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Founders of Google
Two of the most frequently cited Montessori alumni, Page and Brin have honored their education on the Google homepage and credited it as a key component of their success. In interviews, the Google founders have spoken warmly about how their preschool experience shaped the way they think and work.
Will Wright, Creator of The Sims
Will Wright, who created the iconic video game The Sims, was educated with the Montessori method. His game became one of the first widespread computer video games and is now played by millions worldwide.
Jeff Bezos, Founder of Amazon
Jeff Bezos proudly discusses his Montessori roots whenever asked. As Bloomberg reported:
“As a preschooler, Jeffrey P. Bezos displayed an unmatched single-mindedness. By his mother’s account, the young Bezos got so engrossed in the details of activities at his Montessori school that teachers had to pick him up in his chair to move him to new tasks.”— Bloomberg: Jeff Bezos, The Wizard of Web Retailing
Musicians, Chefs, and Actors
Dakota Fanning, Actress
Dakota Fanning began reading at age 2 and attended a Montessori preschool before launching her acclaimed acting career. She went on to become the youngest-ever Screen Actors Guild Award nominee and the youngest Academy member in history.
Sean Combs, Recording Artist
Better known as Diddy, Sean Combs was educated at a Montessori school in New York. He went on to become a Grammy Award-winning musician and recording artist.
Joshua Bell, Violinist
A world-renowned Grammy Award-winning violinist, Joshua Bell was the subject of a Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post story in which he went incognito at a Washington D.C. Metro station. The results of that cultural experiment were remarkable and well worth reading in full.
Julia Child, Chef and Author
Julia Child credits her Montessori education as a key component in developing her dexterity and love of working with her hands. Her education began at age 4, and she grew up to become one of the most beloved culinary figures in American history.
Royalty and Historical Figures
Princes William and Harry
Both princes were students of the Montessori method, with photos of their first days of school gracing magazines and newspapers worldwide. Prince George later followed in their footsteps, also attending a Montessori preschool.
Anne Frank
Anne Frank began her Montessori education at age three. Her diary has since been translated into over 60 languages and is one of the best-known books of all time. She was a Montessori pupil from ages three to eleven, then completed one year at a Montessori high school before the German occupation forbade her from attending school.
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