Montessori - worth it?

apollonia10 · October 2013

We're looking at putting DS into preschool early next year before #2 arrives, so he has some time with peers and isn't cooped up in newborn land. He'll be 20 months or so. The Montessori school in our area is excellent but crazy, crazy expensive. If you have experience with Montessori schools, is it worth the money? He will only be going there until kindergarten.

nesenotes · October 2013

From what I hear its worth it. We are in the same position as you. We've pretty much decided this is the route we will go when she turns about two. I feel more comfortable with montessori teachings. But then again ive read two montessori books so I have my feet wet a little.

DeniseRN · October 2013

Both boys are in Montessori. I really love it. Just make sure that the school is AMI certified

meagan.pilkington · October 2013

My sister in law works at onw and thinks its the best! Her son has been going there since he was born (he's 10 now). She says it's all academic and the kids learn at their own pace.

I have also heard in various child development classes that the Montessori approach doesn't foster creativity and that the kids conform to the program, rather than making the program fit the children's needs and interests. (That's a bit of a crunchy opinion I suppose?) They also said that all of the materials are not open ended. Meaning children cannot work out alternate approaches to solving things, there is one way to do each activity and that's it.

I haven't asked my sister in law about that yet but I've heard it at various colleges. One type of preschool they mentioned that sounds awesome are the Reggio Emilia programs. I would choose that as a good fit for my preferencws but there aren't any in my area :-(

Good luck with your decision! :-)

sarahandeddiejune212008 · October 2013

I'm surprised they would take a kid that isn't potty trained into any preschool program. I had a hard time finding a preschool for my 3 year old because she didn't turn 3 until 9/22 and the cut off in IL is 9/1.

She is attending a private, Lutheran school and really loves it.

I have a masters in education (taking a break to be a SAHM) and IMHO what really matters is what you do at home. You can teach your kid letters and numbers through fun play. The main reason we put DD#1 in preschool early was for the social interaction with kids her own age.

SallySunrise · October 2013

stephaniefine said:
I worked briefly in a Montessori school. I would not send my child there. As pp said the materials are not open ended there is very little room if any for creativity.
I think you should do the research and decide what is important to you.

All of this word for word. Worked in one, wouldn't send my kid to one.

DeniseRN · October 2013

I have found that the boys school is very child led. "Montessori" isn't trade marked and there can be a lot of variation in the schools. The boys are constantly doing creative activities. They go to an AMI certified school. AMI stays true to Montessoris original training. Hunter and Caleb's teachers have a bachelors degree with post graduate AMI training that is an additional 18 months. I just did parent teacher conferences Thursday and each kids teacher spent 1 hour going over what the boys are doing in school, how they're developing, what lessons are planned before the next meeting, etc. Yes. For a 4yo and 15mon old. All that.

They do not do a lot of pretend play. Their rationale for this is that they would rather the kids do the actual activity. So instead of the classroom having a play kitchen, they have an actual kitchen and the kids all make bread and such and then sit all together at snack time and eat the food they made

They do have group music time and learn to play with musical instruments

There is an easel always available and the kids can work on art any time

Their school is also huge on grace and courtesy. I have never opened a door at the school because the children hold the door for me

There is also a big emphasis placed on learning about other cultures. Caleb's teacher speaks Spanish and he now knows a lot of Spanish. He also has French club once a week after school

Our school is also small and very community and family minded. Everyone there knows my kids names and they know everyone. It is a great school for us. Just do your research and ask to observe the classroom. Make sure they are AMI certified too. And just as a price point reference, both boys tuition runs about $1400 per month here in FL

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