An Opinion on Montessori Schools?

9-27-05 | self

[Puddleglum]

Hi,

Does anyone out there have a positive or negative experience regarding Montessori schools that they would care to share? I have a 3-year-old son who is pretty bright and I am hoping to find a challenging day care environment for him (1/2 days). He can read very well and write a little, and he is very creative. I also ge the feeling he is a little frustrated by his current day care.

I am curious about these schools but also concerned -- I guess because of the fact that they have a "philosophy" behind them and I don't know what that is, beyond some generalizations!

Your thoughts would be welcome, and apologies in advance if I have posted this to the wrong part of the boards.

--'Glum

[pa mom]

I looked into it and though it was too "loosey goosey" for me. I wanted a traditional preschool. I know others who have loved Montessori, though.

[misterrob]

My wife and I had our daughter in there for kindergarten and we had nothing but good things to say about it. He last school before that applied similar philosophies. Kids of different age ranges socialize with one another, they learn about different cultures, they work independently, definite focus on arts, music and language and her reading skills are now comparable with second graders. Each school obviously differ in staff but what we found was that all of her teachers were great.</p>

[tamalejoe]

I only know one person who went to a Montessori school; he's almost fifty and he still wears high heels and dresses.

[jsh3180]

My three children all attended Montesorri School for pre school age groups. They all went on to score some extremely high SAT scores in high school. On the other hand they are all in their mid to upper twenties now and aren't real motivated in life.

Go figure.

[mtbopfuyn]

I can't give much info on Montessori but have some questions. Why do you think he's frustrated with his current day care? What is it were you wanting out of day care - socialization environment, learning environment, creative environment, or what? A day care is simply that. Basic care of the child and usually nothing more. Why isn't he in a pre-school instead of a day care?

As a teacher, I can tell you the difference between those kids who attended pre-school as opposed to day care is night and day. The pre-school kids, whether they're naturally more advanced or their parents are more involved, usually start out in upper portion of their class and continue to maintain that higher level throughout their school years.

Something you may want to start now is investigate his future school. Make sure the principal and teachers understand his needs. Make sure they have a gifted program as it sounds like he's a likely candidate.

[DGray]

There is a ton of info on the web on Montessori education - start with Google Directory. I've personally known several people over the years who went to Montessori schools, all very intelligent, creative people. We will be considering Montessori for our child.

One thing to be very careful of, though, is to make certain that the school you pick is a real, accredited Montessori institution with trained teachers. Apparently there are schools out there that use the name but have no affiliation with either of the two large organizations and who do not hire trained instructors.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

My only advice is that you pay as much attention to the development of virtue and wisdom as you do to the development of knowledge. Brains without wisdom just makes you a very clever, arrogant idiot. (Watch Charlie Rose for a week and see what I mean.)

[Puddleglum]

You know, I said day care but I meant pre-school. He definitely needs some guided activities and creative challenges. I also hope someone can help him pick up some basic math skills.

Thanks everyone for feedback! I think my wife is going to check out our local Montessori school on Friday.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

You might also think of music lessons. That will help his math too.

[Puddleglum]

My only advice is that you pay as much attention to the development of virtue and wisdom as you do to the development of knowledge.

Very true - I ran into so many learned idiots in college.

[abner]

My son went to Montessori until 3rd grade. He loved it! I loved it! It was fantastic! When he went to public school, he really had a head start. He is now almost done with college... I think Montessori really helped him to learn to think critically. He is very logical. His environment at home helped too, but I think Montessori was a large part of it. He was fortunate enough to have one of Maria Montessoris' proteges as a teacher.

[satchmodog9]

My sister was an accountant at the school in Lake Bluff, Illinois. After two years there, she decided Catholic preschool was a much better idea. The place seemed to breed freaky little zombies with no social skills. We followed suit and do religious preschool a few days a week to socialize our kids.

[arawlin2]

I went to a Montessori school in Hammond, Indiana for K-5. Then, went to a Catholic school for middle school and high school. Upon entering 6th grade I was well ahead of most students, as were other Montessori students. The Montessori schools that I know use phonics. Montessori schools probably vary greatly from school to school. They tend to have less structure, which worked for me. However, some children could not handle the lack of structure.