Montessori or Public school Kindergarten (for 6 year old) - please help!!

[Anonymous]

Unanimously each one of you recommended to stick with Montessori. I appreciate all of your comments

Would love to hear comments from other parents who chose public K over Montessori.

[Anonymous]

I went with public K. My older daughter was already in the public school, so I knew what to expect. We love the elementary school.

I have no doubt this is the right choice for us.

I am watching a friend of hers transition to 1st from Montessori. There are activities she'd like to participate in, but they are already full - the mom missed out on the friendships/networking that happens in kindergarten.

I also watched 1st graders who were new to the school when my older girl was in 1st. They did make friends - but it was harder than in kinder.

I'm not saying this is how it should be, just that this is what I observed.

[Anonymous]

Clarification - I'm watching a friend of my younger one's from Montessori. The girl stayed for K, so she was in my child's mixed age class.

[Anonymous]

All three of my children have gone through kindergarten, even though our kindergarten school is considered one of the best in DC. I struggled with the tuition because I believed and still believe 100% that what the curriculum offers the child is so incredibly unique - and the teacher so uniquely qualified to teach him/her - it almost brings me to tears thinking about how special that time was in their life. They never forget it, being the oldest, being the leader in the classroom. They are so relied upon by the teacher.

And don't let anyone tell you that the child is given no structure. Quite the contrary! There are endless rules, and lots and lots of lessons using very appropriate materials. The child THRIVES in that final year.

Don't pull the rug out from under them - let them stay.

I would also highly recommend walking through a typical public kindergarten class. I think it will open your eyes to see what they are doing. Nothing can compare to the academics your child will be doing in Montessori.

Now many Montessori children do find themselves a bit bored in 1st grade. But you can look a that time as a way to catch up making friends, which by the way is not for kids, no matter how quiet some are.

And really - talk to the teacher. Tell them your concerns, and see what they say. Don't pull your child for the wrong reasons...

[Anonymous]

Some public schools have differentiation in K and a lot of different ways children can lead in the classroom, but it doesn't sound like yours does.