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Choosing A Montessori School For Your Child
On one hand choosing a school - especially
a pre-school - for your child may seem like a simple task.
On the other hand, to find
a school that meets your child's needs, your family's needs and that
has openings!
First and foremost, become familiar with the
teachings (philosophy and practice) of the Montessori Method to make
sure that this philosophy is compatible your
own philosophies and
values. The library offers many books by Maria
Montessori and
about her Method. The internet also offers
a plethora of
information on this subject.
If you are already sure a Montessori school is the best place for
you and your child, there are many considerations in choosing which
Montessori program will be right for you.
There is no 'trademark' on the Montessori name or Method and
therefore it can often be interpreted and implemented in a
variety
of ways. There is nothing that stops someone from opening a
school and
calling
it Montessori even though it does not implement
any
philosophy or curriculum. Some schools just pick a few
qualities or materials while other schools follow
the full spectrum
of the Method as Maria Montessori presented. This may be why a
school that one parent raves about may be completely wrong for
another's child. Conversely, a parent may have decided that
"Montessori doesn't work," while it clearly is working very well for
another family. Therefore, it is important to examine every
aspect of a school to make sure it meets your needs and the needs of
your child.
OBSERVE many schools to compare/contrast the different programs and
find the one in which you find yourself the most comfortable. Often,
that first gut-level (or heart-level) feeling is the best guide.
Look for:
- child-sized
furnishings; is the environment appropriately prepared for the
child?
- a wide array of
Montessori learning materials, including Practical Life, Sensorial,
Language, Math, and Cultural (botany, zoology, geography, history)
activities, displayed on shelves in a neat and orderly manner
- independent children
free to move about the different areas of the classroom while
pursuing their own choice of disciplined activities - singly or in
small groups. Freedom of choice is one of Montessori's biggest
principles.
- multiage classes (3
year spans, i.e. 3 - 6 year olds, 6 - 9 year olds, etc)
- positive and
respectful interaction and rapport between the children and the
teachers
- observe the facility
as a whole: outside playground, eating areas, etc.
ASK QUESTIONS!!!
- Are they accredited,
affiliated with or members of any professional organizations (AMS,
AMI, NAMTA, state chartered or several dozen other smaller
organizations)? This is often a sign of a school's commitment
to professional excellence although many excellent schools choose
not to affiliate with any organization. They are independent.
- What is the training of the
teachers? Montessori training is very specialized and there
are different programs through which teachers gain Montessori
certification. Just because they have a degree in education
does not necessarily mean they have been Montessori trained and
certified.
- What aspects of the
Montessori philosophy are most important to them?
- Do they offer any
exceptional programs such as intergenerational activities, music
lessons, peace education curriculum, handicapped services,
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, etc.?
- What are their hours?
Do they offer extended care?
- What is the
student/teacher ratio?
- What is their
philosophy on discipline? Is it consistent/compatible with
what you do at home?
Ask specific situational, concrete
questions: What do you do when.....?
- What goals or
expectations (academic, social, etc.) do they hold for the students?
- What is the tuition?
Are there any other 'hidden' costs incurred throughout the year?
- Do they take field
trips or invite Outreach programs into the school?
- Are parents allowed
to be in the classroom with their child?
- Ask for any
literature they give to enrolled families, i.e. handbooks,
brochures, mission statements,
newsletters, policies and procedures,
etc.
This may all seem overwhelming at first, especially for pre-school!
Please remember this is your child's first school experience and can
have a great effect on his or her future feeling concerning school
and the learning process.
After you make your choice and your child is enrolled, your
involvement with the school has just begun! There are many
opportunities for you to participate in this learning experience
with
your child. Look for invitations to work in the
classroom with
your child, parent education/information nights, Montessori
discussion groups and local/national Montessori organization
sponsored events and publications. And most of all, have fun and
enjoy the many benefits of Montessori Education!
*********Membership in the Cincinnati Montessori Society does NOT
constitute an endorsement or recommendation or any guarantee of the
quality of Montessori principles used. Please observe the
schools to make sure they meet the qualifications mentioned above
and those that you require for you and your child.**********
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