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montessori school

montessori school questions and answers

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Q: Is Montessori school a good choice for my toddler?
I have a 17 months old baby and thinking of sending him to an educational centre by next year. I am considering Montessori ashool and appriciate some feedback from parents who send their children to this kind of school.

A: Yes, I believe Montessori is an excellent choice, as they specialize in early development. My own daughter goes to a Montessori and I am amazed by her academic proficiency. The hands on approach to develops mathematics and literacy skills, the emphasis on second language, plus the compassionate ability to establish a non disciplinarian, pleasant atmosphere is remarkable. That, and my experience knowing teachers whom are usually most competent has impressed on me that this is the best choice for most children. One drawback is that, due to demand, some popular Montessori schools go to the limit of child-teacher ratio. This can be difficult emotionally for very young children, as they thrive on a close, warm, one-to one relationships when learning..

Q: Should I keep my children in a Montessori school?
My two youngest children, ages 2 and 4, attend a wonderful Montessori school. We plan to keep our kids there through kindergarten but don't know what to do after that since our school goes to 6th Grade. Is it worth it to keep my kids at this school? (The cost isn't an issue). Has anyone out there transitioned their children from Montessori to public/private schools? I'd also love to hear from parents who have/had children enrolled in a Montessori school through 6th grade (or beyond). Thanks for the Head Start recommendation but we don't meet the income requirements. Secondly, how many lifelong friends have any of you retained from primary school? I am a product of public schools and I have, at best, three or four high school friends that I still keep in touch with. My husband went to private schools his whole life and ended up with about the same number of long-term friends so I don't see much of a difference. Wow! Thanks for all the responses! We will be moving to a different part of town (in May 2007). The schools there are part of the city school system and I do not have a lot of confidence in them. So I will definitely not be enrolling them in the public schools in our new neighborhood. The issue for us is different teaching methods. I know that Montessori is a great method for very young children but we're concerned that they will have a difficult time transitioning to a "mainstream" classroom environment. Homeschooling is definitely an option, however, I feel that socially they'd be better off with other children. There were a few answerers who implied that private schools (Montessori or otherwise) are for rich snotty people. We're not wealthy. Far from it. I feel very strongly that private education should not be a privilege reserved for the rich. How do we do it? We budget well, work extra hard and do without a lot of "extras" (like summer vacations, manicures, eating out, etc.) My son, who is a high school sophomore, attends a single-gender boarding school and we are confident that he is exactly where he belongs. We work hard to make sure he stays. I know that one answerer responded that "$14,000 was just too much". My response to that is many "average" people won't blink an eye to spend $30,000 on a car, $10,000 on jewelry or $5,000 on a vacation. As I mentioned before, we are very disciplined in our spending. My income is strictly reserved for our children's education. It's a priority for us. This doesn't make us better or worse than others. It's just a difference of opinion.

A: I normally never answer featured questions but this will be my only exception, as I attended a Montessori school myself. It actually was one of the first ones here and considered ideal for every child, all parents wished they could send their kids there. However, I believe that Montessori schools don't suite to all students, especially nowadays that the system is not the way it used to be and it's mostly the name making the difference from other private or public schools. Personally, I liked the way the Montessori school worked but when finally finished, I couldn't adjust to a whole new idea of learning and ended up being the worst studend. Needless to say, I didn't even attend college as I merely passed highschool. Maybe the system wasn't for me or I was just too stupid but there were more people who had the same problem. Of course, lots of others have a successful career nowadays and Montessori school helped them in many ways but you'd better introduce your kids to the "traditional" way of teaching just in case. Best of luck with you :)

Q: Any information about Central Montessori School in Toronto?
Anybody has information about the Central Montessori School Thornhill Campus located on Steeles and Yonge? I have been looking everywhere and can't find any reviews. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.

A: no sorry

Q: Whats it like to be a Montessori school teacher?
Whats the pay like? Do you enjoy your job? is it rewarding? any other details. i want to become a montessori school teacher after college, just interested in details. im also a montessori kid, i went there for pre k and a bit of kindergarten, id rather be a montessori teacher than a public school teacher ;)

A: I have been both. I have taught 3 year in both. I will give you pro and con. 1. Students are better behaved than Public. They are also smarter. That is also the downfall. Smart kids also get bored easier and therefore cause more devious trouble. Although the number of misbehaviors have gone down, the severity goes way up. 2. The Private school doesn't have a large Bureaucracy, Public does. You can get more accomplished at Private school. That is also a bad thing. A whole lot of incompetence gets through that really messes with a child's education. 3. You can talk about religion at a Private school. That is also its downfall. Don't make the mistake of assuming that all your children have the same beliefs. This is what lawsuits are made of. 4. You will receive low pay. In most areas, the Private school teachers make about 30% less than their Public school counterparts. In our area, it is 60%. 5. In private school, the children get better grades. There is a reason for this. Parents are paying for their child's education and don't like to see F's on the report card. Therefore, they aren't put on a report card (unless the school wants to get rid of the child). 6. Private school teachers don't have to have a license, or background check, or a clean criminal record. Public requires all of these. 7. Private school teachers have to negotiate their own contract. Ever done that? Public schools have unions that take care of that. 8. If a Private school teacher gets sued, they are fired. If a Public school teacher gets sued, it is illegal to fire them. You have to wait to see if they are found guilty of a crime. They still can't be fired if they have Tenure. 9. In Private schools, what the parents say goes. In Public schools, only the teachers care what a parent has to say... and some of them couldn't care less. In conclusion, it is a trade off. What do you want?

Q: The only school that is avalable to my son is a Montessori school. Can I go to one out of the district?
I would realy like for him to go to the one he is going to now for pre-k its realy nice and actually closer that the other one (which confuses the heck out of me). Can I just register him at his current school or do I have to put in a district trasfer? I realy don't like the Montessori school teaching phelosophy. I believe teachers should teach not the children.

A: Well, I have to agree with the other answers. You should feel privileged that you have a school offering a Montessori program to your child. If only all children had the chance to be part of a Montessori school... I agree with the other answers that you are not fully understanding the Montessori philosophy. There is a book out that actually compares traditional schooling to Montessori education and has scientific research to show that the Montessori method is the obvious answer to the crisis in education. (And this book was written by someone who started out as a Montessori skeptic). It helps children develop into lifelong learners, with very strong educational foundations, and amazing real life experiences that help them understand who they are in society and what they have to contribute. Please, please look into this amazing education system more. Your children can only benefit from it.

Q: Id like to set up a Montessori School at my home in Hyderabad. What are the requirements ?
I would like to set up a Montessori School at my home, which is in a posh locality, in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. I would like to know., if i would need Govt. Permission to open the school... and also... will i be charged at Commercial Rates by the GHMC., as regards Property Tax ???

A: Yes you will need to meet the requirements for opening a center dealing with children ( minimum standards). Check your state for the requirement for opening up a school/childcare facility.

Q: What is you experience with Montessori pre school?
Most people I talk to, who have kids in Montessori preschool are exstatic about the results. However, real live teachers told me, that kids coming from Montessori schools to normal schools are behind and have adjustment problems. I would like to do the best for my kids (4years old), but I don't get the right vibes.

A: The best for your kids at that age is for YOU to spend time with them, teaching them things like numbers, letters, colors, etc. I always had a suspicion that Montessori parents rave about the results because no one would EVER say, "I paid $9,000 (or whatever it costs) for my kid's preschool and WOW did I get ripped off!"

Q: What are the benefits and disadvantages of Montessori school for 6 year old?
I am referring to ACCREDITED Montessori schools.

A: The benefits are that the schools attempt to cater to each child and focus on what is typically age-appropriate. The schools are child-centered and understand that children are children, not little adults. The disadvantages are that they forget that this is not how things happen in the real world. If your child goes to a Montessori school for a few years and then transfers to a typical high school (or even college) they're in for a culture shock and they won't be as prepared as a child who has gone to a typical school for their whole life. The schools focus on skills that may be beneath a bright child and may bore a child who would prefer to be learning more academic skills. In addition, Montessori is a concept that hasn't been proven, or even tested, unlike some other alternative forms of education today.

Q: Does anyone have kids in the Lexington Montessori School in KY?
I am thinking about putting my 2 and 4 year old in Montessori, and I do not know much about the schools here in Lex.

A: I am not familiar with that particular school other than to say it has had a good reputation in the past. (I'm assuming it still does. I used to live in Cincinnati and am familiar vaguely with some of the schools that are a day drive away, but don't know a WHOLE lot about them). One nice feature is it does offer an AMS Teacher Training program. (AMS = American Montessori Society) This means that they will likely choose only the top quality teachers that have been through the program to work there as well as those teachers that want an internship. So not only will your lead teacher likely be good, but the intern in the school and the assistants will also likely be good. I always suggest visiting a Montessori school and observing, if possible. If it's not possible (especially now - the Summer months) then definitely research Montessori and ask the school's director some really challenging questions about the program. Make sure it's a good fit for what you want out of a program and not just a program that allows the parents to dictate every decision. There are 3 great threads in the "Sticky" subject of this page that are a great resource to begin looking around: http://mothering.com/discussions/forumdisplay.php?f=284 The one on what to look for in a Montessori classroom is fantastic. I highly recommend it.

Q: How do you like Montessori school?
I saw one that was excellent! the four year olds were doing multiplication!! seriously!! though with little markers like checker pieces. but is that the over all view of montessori schools? any experiences?

A: If the school is a true Montessori school then it will be the best experience you can give your child. They will learn to LOVE learning. As opposed to what Children's Kai posted, the children in true Montessori schools don't feel pressure to learn, instead follow their natural desire for order and understanding and want to learn.(Think how young children are always saying, "What's that?" and slightly older children are always saying, "Why?" -"Why is the grass green?" "Why is the sky blue?"...) In a true Montessori school your child will have a well rounded eduction with a firm foundation in history, social studies, science, and geography . They will learn how to learn, analyze, synthesize, and take responsibility for their eduction instead of just regurgitating facts fed to them so that they can pass a test. The problem is that Montessori is not a trade or brand name and some people call their schools Montessori schools when they aren't.To help you figure out if a school is a true Montessori look at this page. http://www.montessorianswers.com/selecting-a-school.html

Q: can I send my daughter to a Montessori school at age 10 ?
she has been in traditional school all her life can I switch to a Montessori school at 5 grade? What are some challenges?

A: I've been thinking about this answer for a while. I'm hoping Lysa (or a Montessori teacher that has more elementary experience than I) jumps in and provides an answer from experience with this age group, since I mainly work with 3-6 and never really worked in 9-12, unless you count a side computer class. There may be several challenges, but these can be overcome in a Montessori environment. Some things come to mind: --The Montessori curriculum is more advanced than other curriculums. Many school systems are also built around a competitive nature (You got 100% on the test and I got a 99%. You "beat" me.) It may take some time for your daughter to realize she's not really "behind" in anything. --The materials may be completely foreign. For example, while students are busy using the language materials to label gerunds, auxillary verbs, and abstract nouns, your daughter will have to learn that a red circle means a verb and a black triangle is a noun. This is just one example and I wonder if many examples may pile up. Now...let me tell you the good news. I don't think this will be too stressful of a switch. The Montessori classroom is engaging and most students have the exact opposite reaction to what I am saying here - they want to try everything. The difficult part I see when a student comes into a 3-6 classroom in their last year is the fact that they are trying out everything, but the parent doesn't want them too. The parent brought their child to us because they wanted them to learn harder math and language concepts. They do not see the connection that has to be built from the earlier materials that the child is instinctively drawn to and it is usually the parent, not the student, who does not thrive in that environment. I am not sure how true this is for a 9-12 classroom, as that is a completely different developmental age entirely than what I am used to working with. Hope I at least helped a little. I sent this question on to Lysa with the hope that she replies as well. Matt

Q: How can I start a Montessori School for needy children?
I know of an organization called Open Arms that ministers to needy children. I am a certified Montessori teacher and would like to help educate them.

A: You can look for a Church or a Foundation to sponsor the School. You can find out if your state and school district has charter schools, form a board, make a plan, and apply for a charter. Montessori school are most often for young children. Kindergarten and pre-schools are lower cost that Elementary, Middle, or High. Can "Open Arms" sponsor the school on their own. See about renting low cost space at the local housing authority or the "Boys and Girls Club", in their community center or recreation center. It will be near the children and families most in need of services. To partner for space with one of these organizations is part of my plan to start a reading program for children living in poverty. Another suggestion I have is start small. Do a summer montessori summer school at one of the suggested places. This will develop community interest and help establish a track record for you to show-off to potential donors or supporters while working on starting the school.

Q: Can anyone help me about if it's possible to get SCHOLARSHIP in a MONTESSORI school?
I 'd like to my 5-year-old into a Montessori school, but I'm a single mom and I can't afford it.

A: I would contact the American Montessori Society: http://www.amshq.org And the Association Montessori Internationale: http://www.montessori-ami.org/ I personally do not know of any scholarships. Each school is operated differently. But that would be a good place to start. I would then look into whether there is a Montessori Organization in your area and contact them to ask the question. If nothing else, they'll have a list of the schools in the area and you can just start calling. Someone mentioned public schools. They're in a few places, so it is worth looking into as to whether they have them in your area. You can also contact a training center in your area and ask the same question. Where are you from? I might be able to point you in a good direction or two. I hope I can, at least. Matt