Montessor or Traditional Preschool and Elementary School

Montessori is AWESOME but not for every child. Have you visited a classroom? My first 2 kids went to Montessori for 2 years (one at ages 3 and 4, one at age 4 and for kindergarten). They both learned soooooo much and thrived. But I don't think it's the right environment for my 3rd child. He likes to just PLAY and doesn't really fit with the Montessori way of doing things, in my opinion. He isn't as independent as the other 2 kids were, and he isn't as acamedic as they were/are. Some Montessori schools will take the time to help you decide if your child is a good fit, so call and ask for a tour.

I am currently looking for preschools for my 2 yr old. I was in montessori and loved it, my husband is not sure. We have been observing classrooms- it is amazing what you will see.

Go visit 4 or more schools that you are interested in during the morning when they have class time. Be specific that you want to sit in on a class during their montessori work period or the lesson plan work period for a traditional school. You will really see what the kids are doing to learn. We have seen a great montessori and a great traditional school this way and we have 2 more to visit. Even more important, the beautiful new school that I was eyeing did not live up to its classroom promise.
With montessori, be SURE that the teachers are montessori certified- this is a 2 year study plus 1 year of intern- it is very important.

We have our 18 month old in Montessori and love it - it's more structure than he has at home and they do have a schedule. The class size is smaller and the attention more personal than our other options for part-time care at this age. But keep in mind that just because they call themselves Montessori doesn't actually mean they have certified Montessori instructors in all the classrooms -- it's a hot trend to advertise, and that doesn't mean they know what they're doing.

If this school is near you, you might talk to them (I know the owner, and she's wonderful; unfortunately they're too far from us): http://dsmontessori.com/

Hi S., I'm disturbed by some of the bad advice you are getting about Montessori. First of all, Montessori education is very structured if you have a good teacher. My son has been going to a Montessori school for 2 yrs and he does the same things every day, he knows what to expect, at any time you can go and look and everyone is working independently, no one is climbing the walls, destroying materials, etc. They all sit at a table while working, or else at their own mat on the floor. My son is 4 and knows how to read already. He can write letters and words, color, do crafts and follows directions just fine. AND he is ADHD...and I thank my lucky stars that he IS in Montessori because regular preschool, expecting him to sit in a desk for extended periods would be torture for him. Yes, it is a more free flowing classroom, they are allowed to walk around more...but there is no playing all day. If you are moving around, you have to be getting a work, going to outside environment to do work, etc. It is purposeful movement. There are plenty of group activities, they do circle time every day. I highly recommend it, it is wonderful.

montessori.....love it. I recommend going to several montessori schools and visit them with your child so you can see him in action with the works etc.
NOt all montessori are created equal so that is why I recommend you go to several and share your thoughts.
Where do you live? I can recommend one in scottsdale.
Let me know and I can share my personal experience with them as my daughter needed special attention for certain things.

Montessori Education has been the best platform for my son. Not sure where you are located, but my son currently attend Montessori Christian Academy on Chandler Heights between McQueen and Cooper! It is a wonderful learning environment and the only AMI certified school in the area. The owners are amazing and completely certified. It is not chaotic at all, the children are either doing work, assisting in work, having outdoor environment etc. I highly recommend this school. My son is reading, very well, writing sentences out completely is very independent, being able to take ownership of his work and that carry's over to our home as well. Since many of the children help one another when asked, this has been great with his younger brother. He's always wanting to teach him how to do things etc. You should visit this school if you can. It's a true gem! GoodLuck

I highly recommend the Montessori, my 6 and 4 year olds attend one. My eldest learned to read at 5! My 4 year old now is starting. I love it, and so do they. The Montessori system tends to each child individually, not as a group, so every child blossoms! BTW the school we go to is actually cheaper than the local day care center!
Good Luck, you can't lose.

My son goes to a publice elementary school and he is in the preschool classroom. My son is ADD, they have them do work and also they do let them play so they do not get bored and agitated. I think this would benefit your son. They also help with his needs.

I worked child care for over 10 years in many different roles, from nursery teacher up to being the owner of a child care center with nearly 60 kids enrolled. One of the places I worked as an assistant directer was a Montessori style child care center and I absolutly hated every day I had to go to work. The kids in 3 yr. class would run around wild for hours and not do anything. The 4yr classroom was even worse. They would climb on the firniture, bookshelves, etc...and jump. They tore up books on a daily basis and the director acted as if this was normal behavior for kids. They naever sat down and wrote their names, didn't work on colors, didn't do anything together as a class, they just played all day.

Nearly every kindergartener would come in from school with a note that said it took hours for the child to calm down and be able to sit at his/her desk and pay attention. The ones that didn't bring a note were the ones that didn't come to child care before school, their parents dropped them off on their way to work.

I like structure, I like having kids sit down and have work to do like write their names, copy the letters of the alphabet, color, paint, do a craft with the class, not run around during circle time and disrupt the class or throwing their journals in the doll beds so they wouldn't have to draw any pictures.

I know the importance of play, I know what kids are learning when they play, I know that kids also need some structure to their day. Not hours and hours, but some sitting at the table and following directions.

If you think your child just needs the interaction with other kids and no structure then choose Montessori, it is beneficial to some. At 3yr.s old it isn't really going to make a lot of difference.

But if you want your child to enter Kindergarten at 5yrs. and know how to write their name and maybe be sounding out written words then choose the school's pre-K program.

The big question is does your son thrive on routine or does he do better with a looser schedule? Montessori is all about kids doing things the way they want to, which means no consistent schedule. Our son has ADHD and routine is essential, so Montessori would be a disaster for him. He needed a preschool with a predictable routine and structure. However, other kids thrive at Montessori schools. It really comes down to which teaching style is best for your child.