In Montessori, there is some emphasis on choosing what you're interested in, but I think the more important part (when it comes to math) is that it's typically

In Montessori, there is some emphasis on choosing what you're interested in, but I think the more important part (when it comes to math) is that it's typically taught using strong visuals, manipulation of number blocks/cubes, etc. Instead of focusing on rote memorization of algorithms, the focus is on patterns and sensory experience. Kids "get" patterns; what they struggle with is algorithms applied to symbols. I went through "normal" school and was always way ahead in math. My Montessori-educated sister, 3 years younger than me and not particularly mathematically inclined, could intelligently converse with me about my algebra homework when I was in sixth grade and she was in third. She wasn't as familiar with the symbols as I was, but she recognized many of the patterns (like difference of squares) in physical form. The Montessori math approach is outlined at http://www.infomontessori.com/mathematics/introduction.htm http://www.infomontessori.com/mathematics/introduction.htm