Repercussions of coming into Montessori in the later years?

[1hipmama]

Hi,

We have been looking to pull my 11 year old (5th grade) daughter out of public school. The district is dealing with some major overcrowding issues and we are very unhappy with the options that they are considering. Plus, we just don't think that Julissa is being challenged enough.

So we have found a Montessori school about 10 miles away that we are very impressed with. We toured it this week and Julissa will be spending a school day there next week. My husband and I are in love with the philosophy (and the idea of having 12 kids in her class versus 32!) but we are concerned with her entering this kind of school so late. She will spend 6th, 7th and 8th grade there. I've done a ton of research but am finding the main focus is mostly on the prek-kindergarten kids.

From your experience, as either a parent or a teacher, what are the advantages/disadvantages of coming in so late? Academically, she is a very smart kid. Socially, she is a bit bossy, works well by herself but struggles in groups, is very self motivated, but tends to dread anything that requires great effort. And will the many years of traditional schooling "spoil" the Montessori classroom atmosphere she is about to partake in for the next 3 years?

Thanks!

1hipmama

[e&r]

It depends on both the school and your child's previous experiences and reactions to those.

What school is it? Can you pm me? I used to live in the twin cities and know many in the Montessori community.

Basically, the biggest issue would be the fact that, at least in theory, all of the children in the elementary class would have retained their love of learning and self motivation. Someone coming from a traditional school setting, where they are more used to being told what to do, can be a bit lost. Some children make this transition just fine (I have had several children who just did wonderfully) and some really struggle with the responsibility of knowing what they are interested in and pursuing those interests. Also, the skill set of the children from the two different settings can be somewhat different.

If you think that your child has retained their love of learning and can pursue an interest you are on the right track. It is not enough to have been a good student in the past as much as there needs to be an internal striving for an understanding of the world. If you think that your child still loves to learn, then you probably couldn't do better.

Good luck!
Ellen