Looking for Feedback on Montessori Schools

I used to work at a Montessori school, my mother works at one in Chicago, and my sister owns one in Santa Clara. I think it is great (just too expensive for me). The kids are free to explore in pretend play, but are given subtle lessons that prepare them for school. I don't have much experience in other pre-schools, but Montessori isn't as "structured" as people think. The children learn to be very independent and self-confident.

Both of my sons attend a Montessori school in downtown Sac and I can't say enough great things about it. They are 3 and 9 months. I have a friend whose daughter is in Montessori also and each school is a little different. It is just happenstance that we have our kids in Montessori because the school is in my husband's building and we just wanted them in a school close to where we work. My first son was at Kindercare from 6 months to a little over 2 years old. He has been at the Montessori school for a little over 6 months. When I first toured the school I had some questions - they have them to "jobs" and that seemed odd to me and really structured and I wasn't sure that they ever got any free time. This really couldn't be further from the truth and I've learned a lot more about the Montessori philosophies since then. What I like is they teach good citzenship (getting along with others, etc.), they are big on personal responsibility also. They eat family style and the kids serve themselves, they put on their own jackets, etc. This gives the kids a big sense of accomplishment and pride. Montessori is child directed so the child picks out which "jobs" they are interested in and they usually work on them until they have mastered it. The jobs are fun - things like puzzles, shapes, counting with marbles, etc. They are learning while they are playing. At my sons' school the kids definitely spend a part of the day with free play either outside on the playground or they have free play in the afternoon - they have a dollhouse, trucks, train set, play medical kit etc. When I pick my son up they are always doing some type of pretend play - whether it is on the playground or in the class. They also do art projects. The amount my son has learned in the short time he has been there is amazing. He knows all of his letters, shapes and colors and is good with numbers and number concepts (odd/even, etc.) They have themes for a month - they are learning about plants this month, last month is was the farm. Usually kids come out of Montessori knowing how to read. I say all of this not because I'm fanatical about my children knowing all of this - mainly I just want them to be happy and have fun but in the Montessori setting they aren't in a normal class environment where they just listen to a teacher explain concepts to them - the activities are directed so the child has options and picks what is interesting to them and learns hands on a lot of the time. I compare this to his old daycare where there wasn't a lot of structure, some of the kids were out of control and while they were starting to teach some basic concepts it was more teacher led and they certainly weren't teaching the citzenship and responsibility. Anyway, I could go on forever but I encourage you to tour some different schools and also talk to the Directors about the philosophy and observe. Waiting lists can be long though so beware...

I would encourage you to go look at both montessori schools and also schools that offer a hands on learning/learn through play philosophy and see what you think would be a better fit for your child.

From my own experience from teaching in the early childhood field I recommend the learn through play philosophy. I don't have personal experience with Montessori, Montessori teachers go to a seperate college to obtain their training and units.

I don't know what area you live in but if you need any tips on things to look for on how to choose a high quality preschool please feel free to message me. Finding a good quality school can take some searching.

I'm thinking about it too! Where do you live? We'll be in Alameda in June.