Waldorf vs Montessori schooling

[Anonymous]

Just starting school research and visits. I'd love to hear thoughts from those who also considered Waldorf and Montessori, which you chose, why, was/is it a good ultimate fit for your child, what's your child's personality (outgoing, shy, separation anxiety, etc.).

thank you in advance!

[Anonymous]

I can tell you the biggest difference between Waldorf and Montessori: Waldorf is very dreamy, imagination based. Montessori is very real world based, scientific. All kinds of children can thrive in either environment, granted they are picked up and guided from where they are, taken and treated as the personality they are. THAT depends on the individual teachers and neither way would qualify as a general more or less than the other.
In my experience Waldorf teaches children to be themselves, to be strong personalities, find their own path, learn and truly understand who they are, to be real and authentic, proud of themselves and what they do, lots of social interaction. Lots of emphasis on theatre, music, art. It is more about growing, exploring, developing.
Montessori teaches children how to learn, how to find their own interest in studies and pursue that interest. How to be independent in learning. It's generally more about academics, studying, learning.

[Anonymous]

Montessori - more regimented in terms of activities. New activity has to be demonstrated, less exploring.