Concerns after Montessori charter school tour

[operamommy]

We've done Montessori "homeschool" for the last 2 years, and are now looking at starting our son in kindy at the local Montessori school next year. We took our tour, and while we loved the look of the school and the theory, I have some real concerns. I'm planning on meeting with someone there to ask some more questions, but I was curious to know what some of you thought.

This school does not require its teachers to be state licensed or to have a Montessori certificate. I'm really concerned about that. Their own website shows that the teachers are paid pretty poorly, and several parent reviews stated that the teachers didn't have enough experience.

Their test scores are incredibly low - below state average for every grade in every subject. Now, I'm not a test score junkie, but that does worry me. By contrast, our public school is well *above* state averages and is actually one of the highest ranked schools in the state.

The 3-6 year-old studios were...not what I pictured. I'd always read about how quiet and calming Montessori classrooms were b/c everyone was focused on work, etc. My first thought when I observed was wondering how a child would really be able to concentrate with so much going on around him/her. I saw lots of milling around, social interactions, etc. The kids quietly working were definately in the minority.

Parent reviews are really mixed. Many complain about the chaos and lack of discipline. Some talked about how behind their kids were when they pulled them out and enrolled them somewhere else. Any thoughts? Thanks!

[carmel23]

Is this a public charter school? And is 3--6 the children's casa?

Are there 2 teachers per class, and at least one has Montessori training/state license?

My kids are at a public charter. The main guide in the classroom is AMI or AMS certified, and often has a Masters in ED and they are required to obtain a state teaching credential, if they do not already hold one. Then there is a second guide in the classroom that speaks only Spanish. The second guide, assistant guide may or may not have had Montessori experience--or hold a credential. But then not all aids in regular public classrooms need to hold a credential.


And as a side note, our local public school has excellent test scores. But that is because the entire year is planned around the test. So yeah, if you spend the entire year studying, you'll do well.

Now our M charter does spend some time on the practice tests, and we do a little at home. But not the entire year. I don't mind tests and think they have their place. Of course I want my kids to feel confident and do well. But it isn't the end all be all of their education.

Can you observe the classroom? Not every child can work with so much freedom/noise. I think I would let your child visit before deciding....



hth

[mattemma04]

My ds liked primary(k),but has found lower el to be very loud and chaotic at times-to hard for him to do work. From my dd I hear that the teachers hush things down in Upper El when it gets to loud.

As for ahead/behind I think it will depend on the kid.My ds would have been behind for reading,but is ahead in math.My dd is super behind in her math,but seems to be ok in other areas. The school does standard IOWA testing each spring,so that will get an idea of where the child is.

You can always *test* your child at home,and do some at home schooling in areas that concern you.Lots of parents do this regardless of where the kid goes to school. I do read parent reviews and think they are helpful.

I would not be to excited about sending my kids to your M school.I want the teachers to atleast be certified.And I want the classrooms/students under control.

[AJHCFamily]

I would say each of those concerns sounds like too much to overlook. You could visit again to see if it was just a "bad" day. I would ask how many years the teachers have been there. It wouldn't be good if they have a lot of turnover.

[EarthMamaToBe]

I don't see much positive in your post. I'd look elsewhere.

[flightgoddess]

If your public schools have a good reputation, why not go there?