How does Reggio Emilia differ from Montessori?

Montessori and Reggio Emilia are like two cousins at a family reunion; both are child-centered and hands-on, but they have very different personalities. Montessori is the quiet, organized one. Picture a calm room, kids working solo with precise materials, and a clear order to the day. Everything has a purpose, and independence is the name of the game. Reggio Emilia is the expressive, artsy cousin. It’s louder, more social, and driven by student interests. Kids learn through collaborative projects, storytelling, and creativity that spills into every corner. If Montessori is a serene science lab, Reggio is a colorful art studio full of conversation. Both nurture independence, but how they get there feels worlds apart—and that’s what makes the choice so interesting.