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Lucky09
2017!
Member since 1/06 7539 total posts
Name:
DW
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Montessori Moms... Trying to justify the expense...
We are trying to decide where to send DS #1 next year.
He will be 3.5 in the fall.
He went to Montessori last year (5 days a week for 3 hours / day) and honestly, it was a little rough for him. It was 4 months before he stopped screaming and carrying on at drop-off. Overall, my DH and I were happy with the teachers and his progress there though.
Montessori is 3 TIMES the price of regular preschool but regular preschool would only be two days per week (vs 5). I am just not sure if I can justify the price to myself...
I only work 3 days/week now so he doesn't have to go anywhere the other two days. Our Montessori requires a 5 day schedule.
I am so torn and don't know what to do! What makes Montessori worth it?
Message edited 6/20/2012 2:47:50 PM.
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Posted 6/20/12 2:29 PM  |
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nycgirl
Angels!
Member since 3/09 7721 total posts
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Re: Montessori Moms... Trying to justify the expense...
If it makes you feel any better... places I've been looking at that are 2 days a week are typically 60% of full week cost & 3 days are 75%... so the cost is comparable for Montessori full week vs nursery part week.
We fell in love with a Montessori for DS, but are doing it part time... it'll still be  but not over the top.
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| Posted 6/20/12 3:23 PM |
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LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19461 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Montessori Moms... Trying to justify the expense...
I think you are either 100% behind it or it is not for you. I did not do it for my kids and the four children I know IRL who did it at different montissori schools in different states, were not successful with the program - to the point that I personally feel it harmed them. If you have an excellent program it can be fabulous, but if the teachers/students are not good I think it is not beneficial.
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| Posted 6/20/12 3:58 PM |
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NewLeaf2012
LIF Adult
Member since 1/11 2741 total posts
Name:
....
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Re: Montessori Moms... Trying to justify the expense...
I worked at one and it was horrible IMO. Baby boot camp! The kid weren't allowed to play with each other. I couldn't comfort them if they were upset. PM for more info if you want.
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| Posted 6/20/12 5:11 PM |
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itsbabytime
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 9644 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Montessori Moms... Trying to justify the expense...
My DS went to Montessori school for nursery and pre-k and it was a great experience for him and us. Yes, no school is perfect, and, it definitely depends on the child but, the montessori method really can be amazing. That said, EVERY school is SO different - I have heard even in our area the two other montessori schools are VERY different than my sons so I don't think you can get an across the board answer.
That said, my DS has learned so much about so much and has a really great group of really nice friends. The "curriculum" at his school is WAY BEYOND both in its variety and depth any other schools I know of. Also, the kids at the school are so kind and so nurturing to each other which is also very different from other schools. How can you ask for more than that?
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| Posted 6/20/12 6:01 PM |
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itsbabytime
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 9644 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Montessori Moms... Trying to justify the expense...
Posted by NewLeaf2012
I worked at one and it was horrible IMO. Baby boot camp! The kid weren't allowed to play with each other. I couldn't comfort them if they were upset. PM for more info if you want.
This is NOTHING NOTHING NOTHING like my son's school. Quite the opposite. That is why I am saying that every single montessori school is so different.
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| Posted 6/20/12 6:01 PM |
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itsbabytime
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 9644 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Montessori Moms... Trying to justify the expense...
Posted by LSP2005
I think you are either 100% behind it or it is not for you. I did not do it for my kids and the four children I know IRL who did it at different montissori schools in different states, were not successful with the program - to the point that I personally feel it harmed them. If you have an excellent program it can be fabulous, but if the teachers/students are not good I think it is not beneficial.
Just curious - how did you find it harmed them?
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| Posted 6/20/12 6:02 PM |
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LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19461 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Montessori Moms... Trying to justify the expense...
The kids are antisocial coming out of the program and have an incredibly hard time adjusting to other schools and normal social situations.
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| Posted 6/20/12 6:30 PM |
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maybesoon
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 5981 total posts
Name:
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Re: Montessori Moms... Trying to justify the expense...
We really wanted to place my 3 yo in Montessori, we liked a lot. I only wanted him 3 days, but you must commit to the 5 days. Way too much for my 3 yo at the time. it was around 1 k per month
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| Posted 6/20/12 6:37 PM |
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babydreaming
LIF Adult
Member since 3/07 1130 total posts
Name:
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Re: Montessori Moms... Trying to justify the expense...
Let me start of by saying we live in NJ. Full time daycares and Montissori schools cost the same where we live. We actually had the choice of 3 different Montissori schools. The first two were very rigid but the 3rd one was not as intense. As the PP said, each school was different.
We put DS in the 3rd school. He has been there for 1 1/2 years. The teachers are very kind and loving. The kids are also great. They are extremely social and outgoing. So is my DS. I don't see any social issues with him....in fact I remember the first thing they taught him was to look a person in their eyes and shake their hand. DS does this most of the time when he meets people....something small but makes a huge difference.
At a little over 4, DS speaks a bit of French, knows basic math and can add and subtract, can read, is learning to play the violin, can read musical notes....I can go on. The point is, my son has excelled in the environment. We are not the type of parents that push hard, we want him to enjoy his childhood. If he can learn along the way, we are happy.
Finally, we will be sending DD to the school in Sept when she is 22 mths. There wasn't even a hesitation.
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| Posted 6/20/12 7:58 PM |
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Xelindrya
Mommy's little YouTube Star!
Member since 8/05 14470 total posts
Name:
Veronica
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Re: Montessori Moms... Trying to justify the expense...
Posted by NewLeaf2012
I worked at one and it was horrible IMO. Baby boot camp! The kid weren't allowed to play with each other. I couldn't comfort them if they were upset. PM for more info if you want.
opposite of my school for AJ. Kids are encouraged to mentor and help each other out. They can't bust in and TAKE a toy or play with another child unless they ask first, but otherwise they are encouraged to play and learn together.
GOD KNOWS they comfort AJ all the TIME. It is school that taught her about owies and ice makes things better. Her teachers braid her hair, etc. She had a bad ankle and the whole SCHOOL was at AJ's beck and call! LOL
I always need to justify Montessori myself. Its been a huge part of our lives for the past 2yrs. I am very active and participate in every way I can. I push the school, they push her and it has worked. Still its so darned expensive! I paid $800 a month last term. This term coming up it would have been $846 (mind you this is TX). I prepaid before and after care so its down to just $645 a month. Still I can't afford summer school (same price) so i pull her out.
My money is on the
Educated, certified teachers.
Engrossing, in depth Class projects and materials
Freedom to be on a different pace
Its not play time, its always educational
And for me our school was New 2yrs ago when we put her in
I whine and complain and I b!tch and moan about my tuition vs what I get out of it but they do a great job. All that vs a standard 'daycare' or 'preschool' I have found nothing comparable. So we stay.
My school, however allows part time preschool. AJ is full time 8am to 5:30pm-6pm
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| Posted 6/20/12 8:07 PM |
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maybesoon
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 5981 total posts
Name:
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Re: Montessori Moms... Trying to justify the expense...
Xelindra
Is the school 840 a month for full time?
The school we looked at was 1 k a month 3 hours each morning, seemed like A crazy amount of $$!
Message edited 6/20/2012 8:24:34 PM.
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| Posted 6/20/12 8:23 PM |
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Lucky09
2017!
Member since 1/06 7539 total posts
Name:
DW
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Re: Montessori Moms... Trying to justify the expense...
Posted by maybesoon
Xelindra
Is the school 840 a month for full time?
The school we looked at was 1 k a month 3 hours each morning, seemed like A crazy amount of $$!
Mine is $650/month for 3 hours each morning, 5 days/week. And I am in upstate NY.
Thank you everyone for your feedback. At the end of the day so much of this parenting stuff is "go with your gut" and that is so hard for me. DS seemed to do okay there, but he had a very rough beginning. It also seemed like the 5 days / week was a little much for him. But now that it's summer & he's home he does seem a little bored.
Mine is one of the less rigid Montessori schools in our area. My DS was comforted when he was crying and everyone at the school is very friendly... Almost too friendly for me lol. He does the handshake & looking you in the eye too :). I just loved the classrooms when I visited. Huge wall maps. Pianos. China teacups and saucers. Book nooks. Cursive letters. 3-4 year old Kids were learning decimals.
Thank you all for the responses and feedback. I'll update with what we decide in the next few weeks.
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| Posted 6/20/12 9:05 PM |
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Xelindrya
Mommy's little YouTube Star!
Member since 8/05 14470 total posts
Name:
Veronica
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Re: Montessori Moms... Trying to justify the expense...
Posted by maybesoon
Xelindra
Is the school 840 a month for full time?
The school we looked at was 1 k a month 3 hours each morning, seemed like A crazy amount of $$!
Full time in TX North Central San Antonio AND it includes before and after care, which is an extra $150 to my monthly tuition. $800 was the total.
Message edited 6/20/2012 9:58:57 PM.
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| Posted 6/20/12 9:57 PM |
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