My daughter is entering 3rd grade.We are thinking of moving her from a public school to a Montessori School?

Question

Any experience, insight or ideas to consider would be welcome - thanks.

Answer 1

My son just started kindergarten at a montessori school and while I don't have much experience ~ just two weeks ~ I am so impressed.  The first thing I noticed is that community feel among everyone involved in the school.  Everyday there have been parents helping the teachers in the classroom which means that all children are getting plenty of help and attention.

Everyone is on a first names basis ~ teachers, staff (including principal), parents, students.  It makes for a very warm and friendly environment with everyone feeling 'equal', including the kids.

I do like all the interaction with the community and the laid back varying levels of education to accomodate children and their unique level and way of learning.  

So far my son is thriving and it seems a very different experience that what I had with my daughter who went to private school and public school,. neither of which were montessori.

ETA: I just thought of something else.  The graduation rate is *very* high in montessori school.  My son's school is nearly 100%.  Additionally the scholarship percentage is also very high.  In my son's school I believe somewhere in the neighborhood of 80+% received college scholarships for various things and various coverage (not all are 100% tuition, but still,..)

Answer 2

I've heard nothing but good things about Montessori Schools.  However, do make sure the one you send your daughter to is a good one.  I think they're great for kids who are creative and think outside the proverbial box.  

Answer 3

It's great that you're investigating this option! Montessori schooling is generally very high quality and a good one will definitely take your daughter further than a public school.

However, a few words of caution:

Check out the reputation of the school among other parents in the community.

However, beware that because most are private institutions, not all Montessori schools are created equal. It's unfortunate that it's quite easy to slap a Montessori label on a school to make it appealing, when it really doesn't meet the true Montessori standard.

Check with your country's official Montessori website to check out schools in your area, and then ask around your community, and make sure to talk to the school officials where you're thinking of sending her.

Best of luck in your journey, and I hope the it works out for whatever's best for your daughter!

Answer 4

I read about the Montessori schools in one of my Child Studies classes. They sound like great schools! I would give it a try, if it doesn't work out, she can go back to her public school.

Answer 5

Let me ask this....WHY do you want your child in a Montessori school?  This is an important question to reflect on because many schools do not readily accept students past the preschool age.  What you want to really do is make sure you understand the Montessori Philosophy and see if it matches up with your parental ideals for your child.   This will help you with discussing with the school why you want your child to go there and, as a result, bring about more likelihood of the child being enrolled in a school that is "on the fence" in enrolling children later.

On a personal level, I think it's a wise choice.  Like another person said, make sure you look at the school well and see how good it is.  The name "Montessori" is not owned by anyone and it is possible to call any school "Montessori."  My mom got a brochure in the mail once for a Montessori dog school.

Take a look at my blog if you want reactions to Montessori and my thoughts on it.  If you have any specific questions, I am always happy to answer them.

Matt

Answer 6

If your daughter shows signs of an over achiever or with high intelligence  and you have the money, DO IT.

GOD BLESS YOU & YOURS!

Answer 7

It worked good for my kids but ended up switching them out for various reasons.  Smaller classes, stricter usually, more homework and now that my kids are back in the public system they each had only 2 b's and the rest A's

Check with other parents, check out the school and be willing to participate in the homework and school activities with them, it will make a big difference.