The purpose of this presentation is to spark discussion on the role of data in advancing Montessori education. By examining the presence of Montessori schools in the U.S. public education sector, we provide quantitative evidence that challenges stereotypes of exclusivity and demonstrates Montessori’s potential as an equitable, scalable model. State-by-state analyses, demographic trends, and growth rates reveal Montessori’s expanding reach across diverse communities, highlighting opportunities for access and improvement. 

This aligns with the IMC 2026 key theme of Society with a focus on Access to Montessori Philosophy Worldwide. By tracing the movement of public Montessori in the U.S., we show how data can inform policy, broaden representation, and support advocacy. Data analyses illustrate Montessori’s relevance to diverse and vulnerable communities, offering evidence for Montessori’s potential to advance equity on a global scale.