Montessori School and Traditional School

It does depend on the school because not all Montessori's are the same and not all traditional schools are the same. You will need to visit some and get a feel. I LOVE Montessori and would do anything to have my kids there. The $ thing really just depends on priorities. If it is something you really want and value you will find a way to make it work. My son in a Montessori where they don't stress the book work was writing his name by 3 1/2 and is now reading simple things at 4. I love the foundation of Montessori. From the research I did when we moved her I think the school we go to is reasonable compared to other Montessori schools if not less. We go to the Montessori School of Alexandria (off of Telegraph near 95). We LOVE it. We came from Oregon where my son also attended Montessori. IF you want to know more feel free to contact me. I don't have much time to write now, but should later if you have more questions.

Hi Sumi~
I am a SAHM to a 22month old son and live in Reston. He and I are attending together an AMI certified Montessori school's Toddler program located in Oakton--The Montessori School of Oakton(depending on what part of Fairfax you live in this school could be relatively close for you). I did my student-teaching at this school and find it to be a very warm well-put-together school. I teach in the primary room (3-6yr olds) usually but am staying home at the moment. Your daughter would not be in the primary room until she is 3. This is where it is a little tricky for our children's age group. They would both be in the toddler room for another year yet. And the particular toddler program has the parent accompany the child for the 1 day/wk class. The tuition at this particular school is very reasonable ($140/8wks). The only other AMI cert. school that I can suggest that also has a toddler program (3 day/wk w/out parent) is in McLean and is called The Ridgemont Montessori School (also a wonderful school), where it lacks with the physical space it more than makes up for with a sense of community.
HTH,
E.

I agree with much of the advice that you've already received. At this age, I think it completely depends on what works for your child and what the school options are. My son just moved from a traditional daycare (a Kindercare in Reston) to Reston Montessori. But, we moved him because we had heard incredible things about Reston Montessori in general, not just the Montessori teaching philosophy. And, his Kindercare school was really going downhill. I have to admit that he is MUCH happier in this school, and we are much happier with the overall experience he is receiving, but it is more of the environment and specific teachers. One very nice thing about Montessori though is that the children stay with one class/teacher for a longer period of time, so there is more of a relationship that develops. Also, at the particular school my son is at now, the teachers are better paid and have better benefits and seem to enjoy their jobs a lot more.

I would recommend that you decide on the school based on what they offer, the teachers, the turnover rate, on-line reviews you can find and discussions with parents in the school. Make your decision based on those factors, rather than price (staying within your budget of course).

Save your money for college. The teacher and environment at home and at school are more important. She will be fine. Have Faith.

I agree with Tabatha. What matters most is the teacher and other staff members at the school. I also believe that the curriculum matters quite a bit. For example, some schools start teaching students how to read as early as 3 years of age while others wait until kindergarten. Some schools teach adding and subtracting to children who are 4 years of age and others wait. In my humble opinion, you should find out what your daughter would be interested in learning and evaluate what you think she would enjoy. Compare this to what the individual schools teach and take this into consideration. My daughter was able to get into kindergarten a year early at a private school last year and take a test to skip a grade this year in public school, which she passed based on ability. She is enjoying first grade and quite proud to be one of the youngest in her class. She has a November birthday. Have a blessed day. C.

I think any kind of preschool can be either good or bad depending on the teachers and the director. My kids attended a variety of schools because we lived in various states while they were little and the teacher is the key. One time we paid a Montessori contract up front and the teacher was so horrible we ended up taking our child out of school and losing the money. I could have figured that out ahead of time, but I didn't trust my instincts enough. Anyway, it sounds like your husband is cautious, which is reasonable, but if there is a particular (Montessori or other) school that impresses you, I think you could afford it. Visit schools and watch the interaction between the teacher and the kids. See what makes you think "yes!"

Good luck!

You need to visit a variety of schools. Montessori can be fantastic for some children, and not right for others. My child needed more structure than Montessori provided-- but others need less structure. This is why you need to visit a variety of preschools to see what works best for your child. Only you can decide what you can afford. If it is a priority then sit down and map out a budget. Decide what you can live without (Starbucks, clothes you don't need, etc..). Budgeting will be a useful excercise anyway as it shows you what you are spending your money on. Write down everything you buy for a whole week. It is very telling. Good luck.