Montessori preschool...worth The $$?

You could talk to the parents already involved in this particular school. Pick their brains; ask them if they would do it again. Basically, any school is only as good as its teachers.

I believe it is worth it at any price. Montessori students approach learning as a joy of life not a chore. Montessori addresses every aspect of the child including his/her emotional and spiritual development. My advice is for you to do a bit more reading about it to make sure you are aligned with the approach personally. Also, make sure the teachers are accredited.

I loved it for my daughter, but it is a big expense. I don't know if it will help but you might want to check out this site:
http://www.montessorifortheearth.com/
You could supplement his current experiences from home!

My daughter started Montessori preschool last year and I think it is well worth the money. I have an older daughter and I can see the difference between what she learned at 4 years old vs what my younger daughter is learning at Montessori. My daughter is much happier and her confidence has grown considerably in just a year. There are a few things to consider about montessori. It is structured as a 3 year plan and they really push doing 3 years. Also, just like any preschool some are better than others and you may want to request parent references from the director. Overall we really love our montessori and are glad we made the change. I hope this helps.

Montessori is really working for my son. To tell you if it is worth the expense I can only say.

My son gets frustrated easily and then he gives up and does not want to work or try anymore, if he does not like how the leasons are given, he just does not cooperate at all. Montessori, the lessons are given individually, with full attention from the teacher and if the kid does not understand or gets it they keep looking for other ways until the kid fully masters the subject. That for me in itself is totally worth the money. Other part is that they practice... "practical life" wich is everyday around the house living, that has made my son very very thoughfull and helpful at home. They have certain lessons they have to cover during the week, they can choose wich one to work on but the one that they keep putting off, will come, sooner or later but they do have to work on subjects that may not be what they like the most... my son loves numbers but he never wants to work with phonetics.....

My son is 5, by now is already reading and writing, doing additions, he knows at least half of the States, all the geometric shapes! .. I tell you that some of the lessons really surprise me from time to time.

So, for me totally worth it! I love the system.

I am a nationally board certified teacher and most recently taught kindergarten, prior to taking a break to stay home with our now-2-year-old. Montessori is not for every learner, so consider each child and their learning style. I observed that for some of my kindergartners who had a Montessori background, it suited them well; for others, it was as if they had no preschool experience at all! Montessori is extremely flexible, focuses on developmental needs, utilizes play, and more. It is not terribly structured, and some kids benefit from structure. Some kids NEED that "bring it home component" that can be lacking in some Montessori classrooms. What I mean is, for example, the students play with math manipulatives, something I wish for all kids, but if the teacher never actually teaches the concept that accompanies those manipulatives, some kids never "get it" on their own; they need more support. On the other hand, some kids do figure out those connections on their own and benefit from the discovery process.

For my own daughter, a reasonably-priced Montessori approach is something we are considering, based upon what I have observed about her learning style. It truly is not for everyone, and it does not have to cost too much either. If it costs too much, it is not worth it to me b/c I do not personally believe Montessori to be the best, end all say all to education. It is just one approach, and it suits some learning styles well.

No, I have worked in the system and it is not worth any price. I hated each and every minute I spent in those classrooms and quit as soon as I felt I had given it my best and tried to make it work.

If your child is already 4 try to put them in the Pre-K program at your local school. If they don't have one them perhaps a private christian school Pre-K program. They don't teach just religion, they usually have a much more focused program and they succeed very well.

We really love the Montessori our son is in - just the difference in a couple days this fall when he went back to school was amazing in terms of listening and trying to be independent.

But the main reason I'm replying is to question the $400. It sounds like your son is already in daycare, and unless it is with friend/family, I'm having a hard time seeing how a Montessori, particularly just the school portion and not extended care 10 hours a day, is going to be $400 more unless you're looking at a place that's charging significantly above market. The place we go is not more than a handful of dollars a week more than the local non-Montessori daycare/preschools.

Life is an educational experience. If you like the Montessori approach, use it yourself at home. Many people NEED to do that and can't afford a school. Or, if money is a BIG obstacle, encourage your current daycare to do some Montessori training for their staff. Staff are required to do a certain amount of continuing education anyway. But you'll ultimately need to weigh your own priorities to make the best decision for your family.