Full Day in Montessori

[jyo]

Hello, 

My 4 year old is supposed to start a full-day (9AM-3PM) in the Fall. It will be her last year of the three year cycle at an AMI Montessori School. She still takes naps and I'm hesitant to send her all day. I figure she'll spend the rest of her childhood in school all day and would prefer to send her half-day if possible. Does this break too much with Montessori philosophy? What do other people do with their 4.5/5 year olds in Montessori - are they going for full days or half days?  Thanks for the info!

[sapphire_chan]

How it affects her depends on what they do with the last half of the day. In some Montessori schools, the afternoon time is more like daycare and is more intended for working parents. Might be nice for a really social kid who wants more free play time with school friends. Those schools usually have different pricing for 1/2 days and full days. And might have an option for 1/2 day students to pay to have lunch while the full-day students have an included lunch.

[SomedayMom]

Is this going to be kindergarten for her or will you be sending her somewhere else for K the year after?

I have 2 in Montessori...one in his K year and one is 1st year in primary.  The K year is definitely a full day.  It probably varies by school, but have you asked if they get a rest time in the afternoon?  I think if this is going to be her K year I would do the full days.  If not, I'd probably stick with half.  But, I have loved full day K.  My son is completely thriving and so incredibly happy with school.  I couldn't ask for more.

[jyo]

Yes, it's the K year. I'm glad to hear it's working out for your son. I've been concerned that it's too much school for a 4.5 to 5 year old since they don't take naps but maybe she'll be alright.