Are Montessori effects of Casa Program long-term?

[aquarius1977]

I'm planning to send my son to Montessori, but due to cost, I'm sure I can only afford to do it until he's 6 or so. In my area we have Montessori schools that go up to middle school. This makes me wonder if my child will benefit less by only going to Montessori for that period. When I grew up I was put in a French immersion program for kindergarden to grade 2, when I switched to an English only school I was way ahead of my peers for a couple years but then eventually after a year or two I was basically at their same level. I'm just wondering if this happens with kids who just do Montessori for the Casa Program? Anyone out there whose kids just did the 3 years and who noticed if their kids always remained a little more interested in school and/or a little more ahead of their peers?

[Drummer's Wife]

I believe so. My lil bro was in Montessori at 3 and 4 years old. It was his first experience with "school" and he loved it and learned a ton. Most importantly I believe he learned "how to learn" and has this natural love of learning new things with ease and desire. He is very smart now and working on his 2nd masters degree, living in New York working for a top company making a ton of money (not that that equals success necessarily).

My dd was in a primary classroom for one year when she was 3 and I am positive it will have a lasting effect. I really think any amount of Montessori is beneficial, especially in the early years. The first 6 years of life are so formative and important to how they learn and develop the rest of their life.