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In my quest to search a Montessori school for my two year old boy, I remembered to put my child first. Think about what your child likes. Does he or she like structure? Is he or she gregarious? Does he or she enjoy outdoor play? These things are important to consider before placing your child in a Montessori school. The name "Montessori," for example, is not copyrighted; as a result, it's best to check with one of the affiliating organizations to locate a reputable school. As a lead Montessori teacher myself, I am very familiar with Montessori curriculum. I have a Master's degree in Early childhood education and Montessori certification. FYI: My son attends a different Montessori school, per not to distract my attention to the job and children in my care. The history of the Montessori method was pioneered by Maria Montessori, who was born in 1870 and became Italy's first female physician, specializing in pediatrics and psychiatry. A montessori classroom is filled with children of mixed ages (2-3, 3-6, 6-9) engaged in activity. Some work alone while others work in small groups. Children move at there own pace through the classroom, which includes practical life, sensorial, language arts, and mathematics areas - each with their own materials for children to work with. The teacher's role in the Montessori classroom is to guide the children. Independence is highly encouraged, and a love of learning is instilled. Children progress at their own speed, without boundaries. Like Montessori, students in a Waldorf classroom are rarely found sitting at desks. You're more likely to Waldorf children baking bread from wheat they grew themselves or perhaps playing the recorder. The Waldorf approach is holistic in which spirituality, art and dance play a large part. Unlike a Montessori classroom, where the teacher's role is to guide the child and let the child work independently, Waldorf instruction emphasizes the relationship between the teacher and child. All in all, both are essentially unique and beneficial to any child. It's your choice. Hope this helps your discover what options are available to your family and little one.

My son is almost 4 and has been in a Montessori school for almost a year. He is coming home daily and telling me that the lessons are boring and that he has to do too much work. I spoke with the teacher, and she laughed at that. She said he is stubborn and not progressing. I wonder how is it possible to be considered stubborn in an environment where you are supposed to have free will to choose your activity. The teacher says that he is not allowed to choose his own work because he does not do his "big work" first. In the beginning of the school year he seemed happy and was socializing well, and was even telling me that I was coming too early to pick him up from school, but the original teacher quit abruptly so a family member of the director has taken over the class. She is a strict disciplinarian, and does not allow the children to work together in groups. I am looking at other schools, and would really like to continue with Montessori, but I don't know whether I should consider a more play based school. The Montessori teachers tell me that my son stands out as a cooperative, quiet child with a good sense of order and a well developed sense of humor.