Montessori vs. Waldorf vs. Public School? Any Suggestions preferences, comments?

Question

I am looking at my options for my son, upon entering kindergarten. I believe I am leaning the way of Montessori or Waldorf, as I have not had good expierenes with the public school system ( I currently home school my 12 year old). I unfortunately could not afford the tuition on these schools when my older child needed it most. I can however; afford tuition now, and would like to find the best match for my youngest son. He's smart, but shy, not quick to speak his mind in public settings, on the small side (just now in 3t clothes), he is very detailed oriented, and particular. Any parents out there have thought on these two schooling systems?

Quick after thought... he is 4 turns 5 07/26... but I think I am going to wait until next year, when he is 6, to begin kindergarten.

Answer 1

He sounds like a great candidate for Montessori! I have taught Montessori for over 12 years after teaching traditional school. I see so many differences between children who have gone through both. Montessori schools prepare children for learning and lifelong success by encouraging independence, concentration, coordination, self-control, sense of order, initiative, grace, courtesy, compassion, patience, peace, negotiation and self esteem. Children who attend Montessori schools are great problem solvers, adaptable, and learn to make decisions at an early age.

Montessori focuses more on things that are “real” while Waldorf is more play based, especially in Kindergarten. In Montessori, children generally work at their own pace and choose their own activities. Some interpret this as “They can do anything the want.” This is not true. Limits are set. Children are guided into choosing appropriate activities. In Waldorf schools, students pick a theme for the month and teachers incorporate activities that involve language, art, humanities, science, and math into the theme. In a Montessori school, all of these activities are available at all times. Here is a great article on the differences between Montessori and Waldorf (and some others) http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleId=696

If you decide to go with Montessori, be careful about which Montessori school you choose. Some schools call themselves "Montessori" but are not. They may not have Montessori materials or the teachers are not Montessori trained. Look at http://www.montessoriservices.com Check out some of the language, practical life, and math materials. A true Montessori school will have these types of materials. Also, make sure the teachers in the Montessori school went through a Montessori training program. Do the same if you decide to go with a Waldorf school.

I agree that you should wait until next year before sending him to kindergarten (I answered a question about this today if you want to take a look at my thoughts on the matter). It is the trend these days to hold younger children out an extra year. You may consider putting him into Montessori school part time. I am not sure if Waldorf offers this option. If he gets some exposure to the philosophy and other children before starting kindergarten, he will have the experience before starting and it will help him to gain some confidence. Hope this helps! Please feel free to email me if you have any questions.

Answer 2

To really get an idea of what you are looking for, you should go to each school and talk to some of the teachers. Tell them to give you a tour of the classrooms and ask all your questions. Remember that most children attending Kindergarten in public schools are 5 years old so you need to make sure they allow it. Your best bet would be Montessori because they do mix the age groups and the teachers emphasise that they learn at their own individual pace. I like it because they teach the children by learning through the 5 senses with reading, listening, observing, exploring etc. The older children influence and teach the younger which I think is great because little children love to learn that way.
Waldorf philosophy is quite a different approach to learning. Their ccurriculum is very different than that of a public school and not factory like. I look at it as an earthy way to teach. Private schools advantages are that the class sizes are small and your child gets alot more one on one attention. Good luck.



Montessori is very hands on and structured.

Answer 3

Sorry I don't have an answer for you, but after reading your question I looked into what a Waldorf school is. I have to say I'm stoked about it! There isn't one in the area I live in, nor the area I plan to move to, but there's the possibility of generating enough support and interest that there will be in the future. My daughter is three so there's still time.

Thanks, and good luck!

Answer 4

I dont like Montessori schools - they basically let the children make there own choices, but they give them too much choice!! Children need a basic amount of structure in their day!

For example in Montessori if your child liked english, they can do as much english as they want throughout the day. But what about the other subjects? Should they not be taught at least a little of everything at some point of the day?