My husband and I toured our nearest M school this morning and I'm so excited about the school, but have a lot to process and think about. It is very likely we will choose this school for our boys. My oldest is 3.5 and will be eligible to start Children's House in the fall. We'll get called for his interview soon and if he takes to the school in the interview then we'll probably go for it.
Strengths:
-- large, established program (18 months to 8th grade)
-- beautiful school building, nice classrooms
-- Montessori method (pretty genuine as far as I could tell, all the materials looked great)
-- tight school security and background checks
-- immersion Spanish lessions
-- diversity, the school participates in a choice program and so has income and racial diversity. Diverse staff also.
Concerns:
-- car line to pick up and drop off
-- not accredited, but all teachers are M trained with AMS or AMI (should I ask about teachers and which certs are more prevalent?)
Cons are a 20-25 minute rush hour morning commute and $$$ tuition.
--We visited two classrooms, and one felt much more engaged than the other. One there was obvious study going on, the other one the kids may have looked a little more lost or disengaged. I'm assuming this is the teachers because I felt the teacher and assistant in classroom #2 were warmer. I noticed another teacher that seemed "cool" kind of barking orders at the kids in another area. I'm concerned about my son getting a great teacher. They have 4 classrooms of 3-6 year olds and I'm wondering how I can get to know these teachers more and if I can request a specific teachers classroom for the kids.
-- It seemed the school was focused on achievement and maybe a little overachieving. I got the feeling that the kids are brilliant, which is great, but I also felt like there was a lot of academics discussed in the tour.
-- I am concerned about having balance with the work and allowing some time to laugh and have fun and be a little silly.
I'm trying to imagine my boy fitting in an M classroom. It could be great for him. He is a high energy kid and he's outgoing and social. He loves to run and chase and play. But he also plays independently well. I think he could do great. I *really* want him to have a loving and engaging teacher that loves teaching.
I wonder how I can get the skinny on the teachers and if I can get a special request for one of their best teachers. I could be upfront with the admissions director that I strongly preferred the vibe in classroom #2?? I wonder if I could request that teacher or if it would be taken as too pushy? (That said for the tuition we'd be paying I feel I should ask for whatever preferences I have.)
Strengths:
-- large, established program (18 months to 8th grade)
-- beautiful school building, nice classrooms
-- Montessori method (pretty genuine as far as I could tell, all the materials looked great)
-- tight school security and background checks
-- immersion Spanish lessions
-- diversity, the school participates in a choice program and so has income and racial diversity. Diverse staff also.
Concerns:
-- car line to pick up and drop off
-- not accredited, but all teachers are M trained with AMS or AMI (should I ask about teachers and which certs are more prevalent?)
Cons are a 20-25 minute rush hour morning commute and $$$ tuition.
--We visited two classrooms, and one felt much more engaged than the other. One there was obvious study going on, the other one the kids may have looked a little more lost or disengaged. I'm assuming this is the teachers because I felt the teacher and assistant in classroom #2 were warmer. I noticed another teacher that seemed "cool" kind of barking orders at the kids in another area. I'm concerned about my son getting a great teacher. They have 4 classrooms of 3-6 year olds and I'm wondering how I can get to know these teachers more and if I can request a specific teachers classroom for the kids.
-- It seemed the school was focused on achievement and maybe a little overachieving. I got the feeling that the kids are brilliant, which is great, but I also felt like there was a lot of academics discussed in the tour.
-- I am concerned about having balance with the work and allowing some time to laugh and have fun and be a little silly.
I'm trying to imagine my boy fitting in an M classroom. It could be great for him. He is a high energy kid and he's outgoing and social. He loves to run and chase and play. But he also plays independently well. I think he could do great. I *really* want him to have a loving and engaging teacher that loves teaching.
I wonder how I can get the skinny on the teachers and if I can get a special request for one of their best teachers. I could be upfront with the admissions director that I strongly preferred the vibe in classroom #2?? I wonder if I could request that teacher or if it would be taken as too pushy? (That said for the tuition we'd be paying I feel I should ask for whatever preferences I have.)
