Montessori schools?

Anyone have a child who goes to a traditional Montessori school? We are thinking of sending our 3 year old to one. My dd is very independent and advanced for her age. I'm looking for a school that will challenge her a bit. What was your experience like in a Montessori school.

Montessori schools?

I think it varies from school to school so you really have to sit through a full class to see what it's like. I have a similar 3yo and seriously considered montessori for her. One I saw was not true montessori at all. The other had some amazing aspects but imo didn't encourage much socializing or cooperative work and just had a few drawbacks I couldn't get past. Ultimately I went with a traditional preschool. Nycgirl uses a montessori and the issues I had were not the same at her school. Definitely check with her.

Re: Montessori schools?

I sent my DS & will be sending my DD.
We live in a great school district, so send for 3s & 4s (which in our school is mixed w 5s).
I loved it: the school is very academic, but DS is convinced learning lessons is a game. Instruction is very individualized and his specific skills & deficiencies were addressed (bad handwriting, very good reading). It's a phonetic curriculum w lots of math and spatial relations built in.

The school has great group play & outdoors is encorporated into curriculum. He's made many very multicultural friends (this particular one
We also send him to "camp" there, which to our surprise, taught him how to fully swim (better than many programs that our friends & family have sent their kids to year round).

DS is entering K now & is def above grade level at screenings although he will be one of youngest in his class.

Be happy to address any specific questions.

Re: Montessori schools?

The school I'm looking at is mixed 3,4,5 too. It's one of the reasons I'm leaning towards it becauSe my dd is more on a 4/5 year old level socially. I like that she can learn from older kids as well as kids her own age. It's much more expensive than any of the local schools I have looked at. I'm just trying to figure out if it's worth that extra money. When you say the learning is individualized what do you mean?

Re: Montessori schools?

Lessons at our school are done by each child on a mat.

The child works usually solo or in a group of 2. The lesson will be specific to child's needs (mine did a lot of letter tracing & word formation at the end: spelling out dog, cat, etc next to pictures of item).

Lol: socially DS was just at his age, but his friends tended to be older.

DD will be oldest in her class when she starts K (jan baby), so I think it will help her develop as well (she's reading already, so I don't want her learning to stop by being put in with kids almost a year younger).

Eta: there are also group lessons: continents, space, seasons, months, etc. these are done but majority IMO is individual.

Message edited 7/21/2015 3:09:29 PM.

Re: Montessori schools?

I send my DD to Montessori school. Her experience has been great, but she has nothing to compare it to because it's all she knows.
She is a very independent little girl. I love how she approaches a problem. She carefully examines it and creatively finds a solution. Sometimes she gets frustrated when she can't do something and will cry. We just encourage her to continue. She is so proud when she accomplishes a challenging task.
If you have any questions let me know.

Re: Montessori schools?

My neighbor uses the one in Manhassset and absolutely loves it.
However, another friend of mine used the same school( and she's a teacher) for her son for 3 years, because they had her commit for the three years. Then when her son entered first grade at a catholic school , he wasn't prepared both on tbe educational level and social level , he had to repeat the grade.
Again, not too sure with all the details, but those are the two moms I know that used a Montessori school.

Montessori schools?

My DD just graduated from a true Montessori school. She did very well and it made her very independent. She is also reading, telling time, and counting money. I like that she got homework 4 days a week. I think shes going to be very prepared for Kindergarten in September

Re: Montessori schools?

Montessori schools?

I love DS's Montessori school.

Re: Montessori schools?

Schools are all different. DS did not get homework.