Pros/Cons for Montessori Schools?

Adriamichelle83 · October 2011

I'm looking into preschools for DD, there are always waiting lists around here and I'm interested in one particular Montessori school. Can you tell me the pros/cons of them? I'm not very familiar, I know they tend to be less structured, more child-led. Any advice would be great! Thanks!

kmhunt11 · October 2011

DD is in Montessori for the 2nd year, and I'm strongly considering pursing my Montessori certification. I love Montessori because kids learn to LOVE learning. They strengthen their natural strengths, while also touching on and developing their growth areas. The choose their lessons so their learning is individualized, and developmentally appropriate. The teacher guides them. They learn responsibility and control. Some Montessori schools are more rigid- nothing on the walls, no art, very little socialization, etc. Not my cup of tea. The other amazing thing is the multi-age classrooms. The little kids learn from the big kids. THe big kids learn self-esteem from helping and teaching the little kids. I went on a field trip yesterday with DD's class and at lunch the little kids know to turn to a 5 year old (for example) if they need their juice box or apple sauce opened. The older kids love helping. I teach 3 yr olds in a regular preschool and it's frustrating that (just like in many public school classrooms) it is very hard to challenge the more advanced kids. We spend most of our time working with and redirecting the ones who are way behind. The more advanced kids aren't getting an opportunity to explore to their potential. Montessori eliminates that problem completely. I love it and plan on keeping DD there for a long time (although DH's eyes popped out of his head when he found out I am not planning on sending DD to public school in 2 years! we'll see)

DragonflyBelle · October 2011

You need to seriously delve into the particular MS's mission/lessons, etc before buying in. My cousin went to a MS for about 6 months before my Aunt yanked him out and I don't care to discuss what this particular school was teaching him, but it was not at all in line with our family's ideals on child-rearing.

franciscaz · October 2011

I laugh b/c most of my friends either love love love it or hate it. From what I can tell Montessori is more about self-guided learning as opposed to other pre-k's with more traditional style sit and learn curriculum. With that said many of the traditional pre-k's we have visit incorporate many Montessori like principals. I've also heard some local montessori pre-k's don't do it as well.

I would just honestly tour traditional pre-k's and local montessori and make a decision from there.

stellasam · October 2011

I really like a lot of the Montessori methods/ideas and there is one school near me that I was very interested in (until I saw the cost!), but I also know of some Montessori schools that are extreme and discourage creativity, imaginitive play, arts & crafts, socializing, etc. I think you will have to investigate and visit any Montessori school you may be considering to see if it is a good match for your family. Good luck!

kmhunt11 · October 2011

Do a ton of observations, both Montessori and not. No matter what method you go with, you will have to find a school that executes it well. As an educator, I avoid places with worksheets, and where the environment feels sterile and cold. I look for a place that will provide love for my child when I'm not with her. I look for a place that is going to have a huge variety of experiences and opportunities for DD to explore and learn.

m_and_m · October 2011

I love a lot of Montessori principles, but it would be a terrible fit for my DD. She is a VERY creative child, always creating SOMETHING whether it's art, crafty stuff, telling stories, writing plays complete with dialog, making up songs, etc. She really needs to be in an environment that encourages that type of play/learning, which is not a Montessori focus. She's actually in a Waldorf based PS right now which fits her perfectly.

I have a client (I'm a hairdresser) who is a Montessori guide (has been for 8 or 10 years) at an awesome school here and we've talked about it at length; she agrees with me completely, especially after meeting DD, so even if it's the world's most amazing program it may nopt be so amazing for your DC.

ironmommy · October 2011

Lily has been in a Montessori program since 15 months. I absolutely love it. I'm not familiar with a typical preschool environment, but I feel like she is learning an absolute ton and there are no limits on that learning.

For example, just after she turned 3 her teacher called me to tell me how excited she was that Lily was starting to spell. She said Lily knew her letters better than some 4 year olds, so they were pushing ahead with spelling. In a typical classroom, I'm not sure this would be possible. But because she's in a class with 3-5 year olds, they can work ahead in areas where they show interest and strength.

Also, if you watch a Montessori class, it's pretty impressive. There is nice music going, and a group of 3-5 year olds will just sit, each working on their own "work." I like how each child can chose his own "work" and how they really teach respect and proper ways to deal with emotion and conflict. I'm sure most preschools work on that, but I like the kindness of the Montessori model. They also really, really stress independence, which is great.

Everyday when I pick Lily up from school she wants to show me her favorite "work." I love it. She tells me the rules and shows me how to do it. It shows me she's engaged and enjoying herself, which is awesome.

If your child isn't a self-starter, I've heard the Montessori method may not be ideal. Otherwise, I don't see any cons unless it's just not your style.

MrsLeanna · October 2011

It was not for my DD at all. For all the creative free-spirited stuff that they talk about, it's actually very structured and that was not my DDs thing. I also strongly dislike the multi-age method of learning. I had DD in a montessori for a year and there was nothing that was so bad that I took her out mid-year but I didn't send her back. The kids were only allowed to speak in a whisper and for me, preschool aged kids need to be able to make noise and run around, it all felt too staged for me. Maybe it was this particular school, but it rubbed me the wrong way.

She is now in a Reggio Emilia school which is similar to a montessori but is a lot more hands-on learning and creative play type of thing. For me it was all the pros of monetssori without the cons.

Adriamichelle83 · October 2011

Wow...thank you so much for all the responses. I have a tour scheduled (which I dislike that I had to schedule it as I would prefer to 'pop' in) this week. I'm also going to be touring other PS's as well. Thanks again!

Bride2bMO · October 2011

It depends entirely on the child. If your child has a healthy, wide range of interests and is comfortable socially, could be great. My son has autism, so it would be a horrible fit. He would stake out a favorite toy/activity and do nothing else. He needs structure and guidance to move through lessons/activities that he wouldn't gravitate to on his own.

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