I think the school itself is much more important than the method used. When I begin the search for a preschool for my own child, I will consider the following:
1) Is the school a school/daycare, or just a school? Schools that provide extended hours are not going to be as education-focused as schools that are only open during regular school hours (e.g., 8:00 am to 3:00 pm). In addition, at "schools" that are really more daycare-style, there will be more behavior problems. This is because I think that children WILL act out when they are at a daycare for ten hours a day away from their parents. 90% of the kids with behavior problems at the school where I worked were the daycare kids who were there all day, every day. The teachers had to spend most of their time trying to keep these kids under control, and actual teaching time was greatly diminished as a result.
2) What is the student/teacher ratio? Ask when you call the school for information, and then verify it when you visit. When you visit the school, are the teachers spending time teaching, or are they spending time disciplining children and trying to keep them under control?
Are the teachers Montessori certified? If so, what type of certification do they hold? Also, look around the classroom. You really shouldn't see many/any "toys." That is, you shouldn't see stuff like Dora the Explorer dolls or too many legos. Rather, you should see high-quality wooden materials like blocks, glass pitchers for pouring, math activities, sandpaper letters, etc. Also, try to see what kind of books are displayed in the classroom. Is it high quality children's literature, or crummy books that you would buy at a Walgreens or a CVS? Make sure it is the school's policy not to show kids videos. What the heck are you paying for if you send your kids to a school that regularly shows them videos?!?!
As previous posters have noted, Montessori is not for everyone. If your child is very rambunctious/hyper, he/she may not do well in a Montessori environment, as many Montessori teachers are not very tolerant of this kind of behavior. In my experience, the children who get the most out of Montessori education are children who are somewhat quiet and docile, who have a lot of parental support at home, who have not been "depleted" by an early childhood of babysitters and watching too much television.
I also think that it is best to hold off until at least age three to enroll a child in preschool. Many two year olds are just not ready to be away from their parents, even for a few hours a day.
As a sidenote, Waldorf schools and teachers can be a little crazy. If you are a religious person, I would recommend staying away from Waldorf schools. They are very anti-Christian in my opinion. Do some searching on the Internet and you'll see what I mean. They're weird.
My son is a very calm and quiet little guy (he only cries like twice a week, which I find to be unreal!). His style of 'play' looks like work...he loves to see how things work, quietly studying and exploring. He enjoys learning mostly by seeing it once and then trying it himself....asking for help if he didn't quite 'get it'.
Not to say he isn't an energetic boy! He loves to play and run and giggle and goof around. But when I read about Montessori, I just SEE him in that setting.
At home, we have quiet toys for the most part. I have always been partial to wooden toys because it seems that you have to use your imagination and creativity to have fun with them.....they don't beep and tell you which button to press.
I'm thinking age 3 is a great target. He is not ready now for school (and neither am I for him to go!). I'm just doing early research and getting as much info as I can now.
I found a school locally that is Montessori, located in a Lutheran church. The teacher seems to have her qualifications in order (taught in other Mont. schools before opening this one) and the classes seem small enough to be comfortable for me.
I so appreciate your help. And if you can, would you tell me how kids do when going to 'other' schools after preK/K in the Mont. style? Do they have a rough time adjusting? For later, there is a charter school in the next town over that appeals to me...but if it doesn't work, I'll need to find something other than public school!
Again, thanks so much for your help! Best regards, Leigh Ann