Does price really stand for quality

[sydneysmommy07]

Hello-

My daughter is 3 and a half and we have been searching for her first school. I am really leaning for Montessori and we have narrowed it down. But do you believe or have you seen that the higher price tuition really equates to a better education. One of the schools we saw was about 700 a month and was not as fancy and on the tour we went right in to classes in session during thier individual learning time and my daughter was able to play amongst the other kids, which she was thrilled about and walked right up to kids. I have to say I was suprised to see a child about my daughters age who sat with her and read her a book. That school also offers extra activities after school such as dance, gymnastics, or taekwondo. I don't know yet if thoes activities were included in the price. One of the other schools we saw about 200 dollars more a month. We only got to see toddler class but I still loved how nice the school was set up. We got to go int the observation room with window and saw circle time. This school seems wonderful but a bit more strict and uppity if you know what I mean. I plan to go back and see this school again. But I want to know if anyone has had experiance in comparing montessori school quality. Thanks

[AllyRae]

Not necessarily...it doesn't have to. There are plenty of Montessori schools that are cheaper than the one DS goes to, and they are just fine in terms of quality. DS's school is an "uppity" one, and we always feel so out of place. DS is there on an autism scholarship from the state, and it's a school where 90%+ of the student body has at *least* one 6 figure income in the family...a lot of them have 2. I don't fit in with the other parents because they like to talk amongst themselves about their several expensive vacations a year, private plane rides, housekeepers, nannies, million dollar houses, and crystal chandeliers. Not only can I not relate, but that seems so dull to me (we love our house, but we love our children to run and play in it too...not have to watch out for the antique statues!). It's really really hard to get involved in the parent projects when the other parents look down at you. For me, I'm generally shy, and very uncomfortable in a room where everyone's friends with eachother and they don't really want much to do with me. But, it's the best school in the county and *that's* why I keep my son there (my daughters will be homeschooled since they aren't on an ASD scholarship).

Anyhow, try to get a feel for the parents too because honestly, and it may sound petty, but it *is* a big deal. You have to work with the other parents a lot for parent projects and you want your kids to fit in with their kids as well. The parents at the school my son goes to make us feel so out of place that it's just not a comfortable place for me. So, if you think it's uppity, remember where you'll have to spend a lot of your time. If the other one is a fantastic school PLUS you feel comfortable there, I don't think the fact that it's less expensive should deter you at all...

So I guess my answer is...money *might* make it higher quality, but there are so many factors at play that it doesn't necessarily have to be true.

[mum4vr]

So. You're trying to figure out whether "less is more" or "you get what you pay for", eh?

I would say the only way to decide is to visit each school, and really experience it-- meet teachers and discuss their philosophies. How do they handle the things that are most important to you? How do they teach children who are behind in one or more areas, or are ahead of the game? What about conflict resolution? Can you SW other parents to learn what they like and dislike?

IME, you don't always get what you pay for, but then again, some quite pricey schools are also quite good.

Seems like you're leaning toward the first school, and I agree that if it already feels uppity to you, it may make your whole family uncomfortable.

blessings

[carmel23]

I would send my child to the school where i felt most comfortable with the other kids and families and guides, regardless of which cost more. An authentic Montessori school may not be the one that is the flashiest; it seems like you may have already sensed this. ...

[GuildJenn]

I don't think price necessarily equates to quality...but in my experience the incredibly cheap experiences often have something missing (like teachers who can afford to stay there for years and years).

In this case though it doesn't sound like you're talking about a huge spread and I would go with the one you felt was the best match. However if you didn't ask about staff turnover, I'd ask that question before making a final decision.

[Bellabaz]

Me and dh sometimes joke about how the more you pay the better your grades are-because the teachers can't fail you or they won't get paid. Sadly that is the case is several private schools around here where the tuition is out of this world (like 17,000 Swiss Francs a year for PRESCHOOL).

I don't know how it is where you are, but I don't think price has anything to do with quality education. Go with the school that feels like it would fit your daughter and your family the best.

[Joyster]

Does location play a part in pricing in your area? I pay WAY less for my school than a few of my friends downtown for their kids schools. I'm biased, but I'd say mine is better.

My choice was largely based on how well I thought my kids would be cared for, respected and educated. I felt very comfortable in choosing their school, it's small, it's not the flashiest, but it's clean, well equipped and has great staff.