[CHEMama]

My dd will be turning 5 in Sept, just missing the cut-off age (which they are strict about) for public schools, both regular and charter, in our area. She is a bright kid and I think she's ready for something more challenging than traditional daycare/ pre-school, but I am concerned that she missed out on a lot since she didn't start Montessori when she was 3.

If the school truly allows her to work at her own pace, it shouldn't matter but the question is still in the back of my head.

Thanks.

 

[ochoco]

Hi,

It depends on the school, the classroom, and you and your daughter, really. How's that for a helpful answer?

The reason that most Montessori schools want to have children start at three is because it really is a three-year program, and though it is true that children are given freedom to work through it at their own pace, there is a logical order to lessons that are presented. Each lesson is linked to the next, and when the child starts doing "academic" work (writing, reading, math), she is building on skills that she gained earlier. It may be difficult for a child who is completely new to the environment to pick up on classroom culture, as well - there is a lot of freedom, and the older children are expected to be able to work independently for the most part.

However, many M. classes will accept a few older children who they think will be able to make this transition and fit in well with the already established class. It is frustrating to find out that so many won't, and it may be partly where M. gets a reputation for being elitist. But in actuality, it's mainly because many M. guides feel it's really hard on the older child.

It's always worth a try though - I'd talk to some administrators and teachers and see what their thoughts on it are. Good luck, I hope you find a good fit for your daughter!

 

[Lillianna]

Hi! That was a nice post ochoco!
Chemama, If you, your dd, and the Directress all decide that it is a good fit, there are some lessons the Directress can give to assess her skills and decide if any adaptations are necessary. I have seen mixed results with including children who are 5. It depends on alot of different factors such as eye/hand coordination, mental awareness, emotional maturity, confidence, and social dynamics.
Another thing to consider is whether or not she will continue in M for the elementary years. If so, it would make more sense to enroll her in Primary at this age.

 

[RubyWild]

Hi! My Dd started Montessori 4 weeks shy of her fifth birthday, which was a little unusual. The school met with us, and the teacher visited us in our home. They had a need for an older child in the room she ended up in, particularly for a girl, and they had us fill out a form outlining her skills and interests. Through all of this, they looked to see the fit between her, the teacher, and the class makeup. They didn't want to disrupt the classroom too much and wanted to be sure that she would be happy in the classroom, given that the other kids her age had been in the program for 2 years already.

In my Dd's case, the school really worked with us to help our Dd to make the transition. I'm so glad it worked out.

 

[CorbinsMama]

DS started Montessori just after his 5th birthday (his b-day is at the end of August). He was "interviewed" (met with the teacher, explored the environment) first, but then was admitted.

At our school, it is difficult to enter Lower El without any previous Montessori experience, but it is easier in Children's House.