Elementary & Adolescent program - experience?

[Ks Mama]

Hello!
We're really new to Montessori - DD, 3.5, just started in the primary program, which is a mixed age classroom 3 - 6. She is blossoming in the program so far, and we're very excited what the next few years will bring.

My question is for parents who have chosen to continue montessori after the primary program.

Our school has an elementary program, which is a mixed age classroom (actually 2) age 6 - 12, and they have just started their adolescent program, one year each year, is being added, so far it is age 12 - 15, with the goal of eventually going up through the equivalent of high school.

Why have you chosen to stay with the montessori program for your children beyond elementary age? How has it benefitted your child. And for anyone who's gone on through the adolescent program - how has your child fared with college? I know this is probably pretty out there - and far away for us - but we're very happy wit the school, and we're trying to long term plan for both of our children (we're considering starting DS in the toddler program after he turns 18 months).

Thanks in advance!

[nkm1968]

DD1 was in Montessori Elementary through age 12, we tried to get her into an adolescent program near us, but alas no room. Because of her excellent experience in lower el and upper el, we knew we wanted DD2 (born 8 years later) to have the full Montessori education through age 18; she begins lower el (ages 6 to 9) in a few weeks at a school that offers Montessori through age 14, and we are fortunate to have a Montessori secondary school opening in August which it is our intent to have her enroll at.


DD1 constantly remarks that she misses being in Montessori, and does not have the same level of comfort, interest, enjoyment, or focus in her traditional girls high school, where she is going into the 10th grade. Her grades are fine, not that we believe in grades, and all of her comments on her report card are that she is "a pleasure to have in class", but it is JUST not as good as it was when she was in Montessori. If you can afford Montessori tuition and your child is thriving, it is the best thing ever. My opinion, not a fact, for anybody who does not agree, based on my own experience.

[MattBronsil]

In 2007, Montessori Life magazine had several articles on adolescent Montessori Education. Here are some of them:

Ginger McKenzie wrote a great description of her experiences observing at the Montessori High Schools:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...1/ai_n21137319

This is probably one of the best articles out there on the subject itself. It really gave me a clear understanding of what a Montessori Adolescent program is about.

Betsy Coe writes about the Senior Year of a Montessori High School:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...1/ai_n21137318