bullying in Waldorf and Montessori?

[Anonymous]

Considering a Waldorf school next year for my 4 year old. I've heard though that Waldorf and Montessori schools can often have more bullying due to the way teachers leave kids to work issues out themselves. Any thoughts on that? My son is quite reserved and sensitive, so this makes me more than a bit nervous.

[Anonymous]

We heard that too, and it was a factor (a small one) in our decision not to go with Waldorf. Mind you, there are people we love and trust who've had great experiences at Waldorf, and DS had a great time in his Mommy & Me classes there at 2-3. We didn't see it, but we had it in mind.

DS had a terrific time in Montessori preschool and kindergarten. We did not see or hear of bullying there; it was a wonderful environment. Then we started him in public school for first grade.

Our DS was pretty reserved like yours. He really opened up during his Montessori kindergarten year, and even more in public school. He's turned into an average semi-outgoing kid. (Still no extrovert, but confident.)

[Anonymous]

PP here. From what I heard about Waldorf, it can be an issue with older kids. I don't think anyone's going to permit it at your DS's age.

[Anonymous]

Don't know about Waldorf...but, bullying was NOT tolerated at our Montessori school. The transition to public school was eye-opening in this regard.

Between my two boys, we had one incident of bullying--it was immediately reported to the principal with the result that the bully has to sit in the office for recess (where he's been bullying) for a week...he was then carefully monitored for the rest of the year.

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences! Choosing the proper first school seems like such a huge decision right now...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Considering a Waldorf school next year for my 4 year old. I've heard though that Waldorf and Montessori schools can often have more bullying due to the way teachers leave kids to work issues out themselves. Any thoughts on that? My son is quite reserved and sensitive, so this makes me more than a bit nervous.

We selected Montessori for my then 2.5 year old son as he was also very shy and reserved and the calm and ability to work on ones own were big selling points. His teacher has slowly pushed him to talk more in class and to work in groups more and he has grown in leaps and bounds in the last two years. I also think the fact the the students and teachers stay the same from year to year has helped him really open up and get over his initial shyness.

[Anonymous]

Montessori has a proactive anti-bullying curriculum as part of their daily life called Grace and Courtesy. Treating others with respect using a peace rose while learning conflict resolution skills.