I'm thinking of a Montessori School for Pre-School?

Question

There is a local Montessori School that will accept my daughter (2 years old) for preschool. I was thinking about it. I know they have a different way of teaching children and I want to know the good and bad of such a school system. I haven't even came close to making my mind up yet, your experiences would be great too.

Thxs.

Answer 1

I would advise you to go with the school you like the best, regardless of whether it is Montessori or not.

Personally I've had some bad experiences with a number of Montessori schools but I know there are many good schools as well. Montessori is a nice method and it can do no harm and also has its benefits. Read up on Maria Montessori and the modern methods to see if you like them first. Also check if they are not using the name to get more money. The local Montessori that I viewed for my daughter told me that they prefure the children to stay until they are 6. The woman who runs it shows very little love, never smiles and snaps at the children. I wouldn't have left my dog in her care let alone my child.

Answer 2

My sisters oldest daughter went to a Montessori school and they really loved the experience.  Her daughter learned to be extremely free thinking in her education which has really made her advanced in comparison to her peers.  My brother was also in a Montessori school and he was reading a newspaper and speaking french at 5.

The only downside I have heard of with a Montessori school is that it can be challenging to move a child from a Montessori school to a regular public school.  They have very different approaches to educating children.

Answer 3

A good friend of mine taught in a Montessori school and had an awful experience.  Where we live schools don't need to be approved or checked in any way to use the name Montessori.  There are some great ones out there, but make sure to check that all of the teachers have attended school to be trained to teach in a Montessori school...reputable schools will require that.  The school my friend worked at has since lost their license, but they are still able to be open and use the Montessori title.  Regardless of the school you choose make sure to do a lot of checking and surprise visits.  There are pluses and minuses to both school systems.

Answer 4

My son went...it's expensive, but if you have the money, why not?

Have you looked into the Waldorf School?  If I could, I would send all my kids there.