How do I know if I should be considering a montessori school vs. traditional school?

[Anonymous]

My dd4 starts kindergarten next year. So far I've been considering traditional schools but then it occurred to me what about montessori? So how do I know if it would be a good fit for my dd. I understand the thought of visiting and seeing where I think she would fit it the best but face it, she's in prek and I'm not with her during the day so how do I know what would be a good fit? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

This recent article about the current state of kindergarten reaffirmed my decision to send my kids to a Montessori school. Montessori class for ages 3-6 is all about manipulatives.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/kindergarten/the-problem-that-is-kindergart.html

[Anonymous]

we just pulled out child out of a montessori program. It was too structured. It really depends on the child.

[Anonymous]

I think you really cannot answer this question until you visit lots of different schools. Our DC is in a montessori and is thriving. Just as all public schools are not the same, all montessori schools are not the same. You really have to take lots of time to observe the program and evaluate if it's a fit with your child's temperament, learning style, activity level; etc.

[Anonymous]

I think you missed the boat for the full Montessori experience. It's really a three year program beginning at age three. If you are consider sending your child at 5, don't. She won't know the tone and routine of the classroom. The five year old year is really all about putting all the pieces of the previous two years together. The first year being the year of social and self growth, the second of academic growth and the third of solidifying. She'll probably get more out of traditional education because all her peers will be new to the classroom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you missed the boat for the full Montessori experience. It's really a three year program beginning at age three. If you are consider sending your child at 5, don't. She won't know the tone and routine of the classroom. The five year old year is really all about putting all the pieces of the previous two years together. The first year being the year of social and self growth, the second of academic growth and the third of solidifying. She'll probably get more out of traditional education because all her peers will be new to the classroom.

I'm not so sure that's true. I know several kids who only started Montessori in kindergarten and did great. They did stay in for several more years, though. But this is a great question to ask the directress of whatever Montessori schools you'll be touring.

[Anonymous]

I know one school that will take them at 4 or 5 and evaluate. If it looks like it won't work, then you can look elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Our daughter started Montessori at age 4.5 and went until age 12. We really liked it and there was never any homework. She went to a traditional elite school after that -- it nearly killed all of us. But, with intense work -- she managed to do really well (after a horrible transition) and she is now at an Ivy.