Debating between homeschooling and Montessori

[MunchiesMom]

DS is four and I've found myself at a crossroads regarding his education. I suddenly have to make some big decisions and I could use support to figure this out.

I've struggled with which educational track I think is best for DS - an awsome public Montessori school, homeschool or both (dual enrollment). I thought the Montessori school was off the table because of their long, LONG waiting list so I've fully researched HS, have a lose curriculim coupled with tons of hands on leaning, and have even connected with HS programs and families in the community. I'm mentally prepared to HS and am a big advocate for it, especially during those early formative years. I never even thought about sending him to preschool. He gets preschool X 10 from all the things he experiences, learns, socializes, etc.

Well...I got the call! There is room for DS at the awsome public Montessori school next year. But here's the catch - if he doesn't start in preschool he loses his chance. Meaning they do not accept children to start in, say, 3rd grade or 5th grade. (The reason being they're working on shrinking the student to teacher ratio to allow for more one-on-one.)

Now I'm torn...I never wanted to send him to school before mabe 2nd grade and definately not preschool. But I will regret declining a spot at this.school later. So what do I do?

Also they offer am or all day preschoolbFIVE days a week. That is why too much for DS and honestly me too..I don't want to lose out on all this time with him.

[AmiMom]

Because of the way Montessori learning works, it really is better to start out at preschool and go all the way through. Though they did not mention that reasoning, my Mom has mentioned this to me before (she is a Montessori teacher). However, my Mom just told me the other day that she really thinks it is best for a child to be at home through mid middle school at least because it is such a critical time in the formation of the person that she wouldn't entrust it to another.

We homeschool and try our best at Montessori in our home and life. I understand what you mean though- my oldest is 6 and at times I wish she was enrolled. That might have more to do with the lack of other homeschoolers in the area... it sounds like you will not have this problem? I would just ask yourself what you truly think is best to meet his needs now... who can anticipate the future? If you were to decide to homeschool, I have many Montessori homeschooling resources compiled... just post again and I'll keep an eye out. Good luck, either sounds like a wonderful start to me:)

[ournaturaljourn]

This is a very personal decision, so I'm not about to tell you what I think you should do. I know what I would do, but that's not necessarily the right decision for you.

I had thought about homeschooling for our son, but my preference has always been to send him to a Montessori school. I have seen the wonderful results of a Montessori education, but honestly I have no experience with homeschooled kids (other than the Spelling Bee-types I see on TV occasionally). Montessori just felt right for us and we've adopted many aspects of this method into our parenting style.

I shied away from sending my son to preschool 5 days a week at first, but once I visited his school, I knew it was a place he'd thrive. Whenever we've visited a Montessori school, he begs me to go back. I am very excited about him starting at a Montessori preschool in the fall.

Of course, not all Montessori schools are equal, but I feel like going to a Montessori school will provide him with a lot of opportunities that I never had and that I could never provide as a homeschooler.

This post gives a pretty good breakdown of the main reasons to opt for Montessori over homeschooling: http://www.mountainshadows.org/montessori_vs_home_school.html

[AmiMom]

Oh, PP made me realize I should mention- part of the motivation for homeschool originally came from a lack of Montessori schools that run past the 3_6 y/o range combined with costs since we have no public Montessori schools here. So, my heart has been tugged both ways but I also didn't have much of an option just FYI

[MunchiesMom]

Thanks for the feedback. Do you think five days a week is a big jump?

[AmiMom]

I think five days a week is a big adjustment, but not necessarily a bad one. My Mom actually talked about the 5 day week being important for consistency. Just a thought.