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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We're trying to decide between several Montessori schools. Currently considering Franklin (on Conn Ave), Auguste, Apple, Crestview and Spring valley. We have toured some and not yet others. Aidan seems great but location doesn't work well for us. I have some general and school specific questions that I'm hoping someone with experience can help us with.

- How important is accreditation, for either AMS or AMI? For AMS schools, is a full member school good enough (in terms of teachers and program), for AMI schools, is it good enough if most or all teachers are AMI certified?

[b]I think accreditation is very important, simply because anyone can claim they are a Montessori school.  But AMS vs. AMI isn't nearly as big a deal - in both cases, the teachers are specifically trained in Montessori and the school is dedicated to the method.   My kids school is AMI, so I don't know too much about the AMS system, but I wouldn't hesitate to go to an AMS school if that's the one that worked.  As for AMI, I would want the *school* to be accredited, not just most of the teachers.  If you love it, and all the teachers are accredited, then it might be worth asking why the school isn't - the response should be telling.[/b]

- we haven't toured any AMI schools yet, but when asked about the difference between AMS and AMI,specifically in the program design, we haven't gotten a satisfactory answer so far. Would that speak to the director's understanding of Montessori and the school's quality in general? Or would it be too quick to judge?

[b]This is really inside-baseball stuff, and my guess is that the wishy-washy answers speak more to the director not wanting to be seen as offending other schools or other programs, rather than their lack of knowledge.  AMI is the "original" montessori accrediting, and it's an international organization.  AMS is the American organization.  In general, AMS is a little more loose with the interpretation and allows for some more flexibility.  They are absolutely still Montessori schools, though.  An AMI-proponent will tell you that they are the more pure option, and that that makes them better.  An AMS-proponent will tell you that their flexibility (still pretty limited) makes them better to respond to the 21st century.  At the end of the day, they're all "real" Montessori schools.  I really wouldn't get too hung up on one versus the other.[/b][i]

- How important is the directors role in a Montessori school? For Auguste for example, we saw a lot of great reviews for the director but little mentioning of the other teachers (who may also be great but we don't know).
[b]Be careful about wording here.... many Montessori schools call their teachers directors.  I have no idea what Auguste does, but make sure you understand exactly who is who.  If by director you mean the head of the school, I would say it is very important, but I'd take a great teacher over a great head of school if I had to chose.  [/b][/i]

- How important are the credentials of the assistant teachers? 
[b]Not nearly as important as the credential of the head teacher.  If you observe, you'll probably notice the assistants helping the kids with functional things, but not doing any of the giving lessons, or interacting with the work.  I think the personality and attitude of the assistant is critically important, but the credentials less so.[/b][i]

We feel a little overwhelmed at the choices and would appreciate some input to make sure we're looking at the right things for our decision. Any recent reviews on the schools above would be appreciated. We've read most existing threads on this board.

[b]I don't have any reviews of the schools you mentioned (we're not close to DC) but in general, trust your gut when you observe the schools.  Do the kids look happy and engaged?  Are the adults treating all the kids and each other with respect and kindness?  Are the kids independent and doing things themselves (even if it take a long time and isn't perfect)?  You should see a happy buzz to the classroom and the school often feels more like a work place, with everyone doing their job - some working together, some working alone, some getting help, some giving help - rather than a traditional teacher-directed classroom.

Good luck!  I know how hard a decision it can be to find the right school![/b][/i]
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