So you’ve decided on Montessori school for your child. This is a very exciting time, but it can be stressful as well. You’ve made a great choice, but you haven’t quite finished the decision-making process yet. You still have to put the most important piece in place—the school in which you enroll your child. It’s up to you to find the best Montessori program, and this guide can help any parent—but it’s especially helpful if you’re a newcomer to the world of Montessori.
3 Tips When Picking a Montessori School
Here are three tips to utilize when you’re choosing a great Montessori school.
TIP #1: Observe the Classroom
Montessori philosophy revolves around observation, so this is a great time to put it into action and observe the classroom. You can get an accurate idea of how things are run by spending at least twenty minutes sitting quietly and watching the children in their own environment.
A well-functioning Montessori classroom should be clean, organized, and adequately stocked with Montessori materials (Montessori materials are most often made of natural elements like wood, glass, and metal). Take a look around to see what’s in the classroom you’re observing. The environment should be aesthetically pleasing and interesting to a child’s eye, complete with child-sized furnishings, tools, and shelves in order to foster independence.
Everything meant for the children should be accessible to them, and the classroom should be a welcoming, friendly environment.
TIP #2: Observe the Teachers and Children
We said that observation is crucial in a Montessori setting, and we weren’t kidding! Another necessary tip to follow before you settle on a Montessori school is to observe the teachers and the students as they work, not just the classroom itself.
The children should be content in their workspace, and there should be a low hum in the room as they work productively. If they are disruptive and restless, it might not be the right fit for your child (or a great program in general). They should be working either independently or in small groups, and they should be able to concentrate without being interrupted. Respectful interactions are important as well, both with peers and adults.
As for the teachers, often called guides, make note of how they interact with the children. Are they respectful? Do they encourage the children to work individually, or do they stand at the front of the classroom and give lessons? The teachers should also be observing the children so that they know where they stand regarding individual development.
TIP #3: Ask Questions
Every Montessori program is different. They will typically follow a basic structure, but they will often have their own hours, prices, class sizes, age ranges, and curriculum. That’s why it’s important to meet with staff and ask questions.
Here are some great questions to have in your back pocket:
- What sets your program apart?
- What are your hours, and are they flexible?
- What days are you closed?
- What are your prices, and what’s the payment schedule?
- How do you handle discipline?
- Will I receive progress reports on my child?
- Who should I go to if I have more questions?
These are great questions for any type of preschool, but they’re especially relevant to Montessori programs. Every bit of the program should be up to your standards—there’s no sense in compromising when it comes to your child’s education. If you find that you don’t gel with staff or a component of the school, keep looking.
At the end of the day, trusting your instincts is most important. If the school doesn’t feel right, keep looking, and rest assured that the perfect fit will come along in due time.
Choosing Your School
Since the Montessori philosophy is all about a child-led experience, make sure that you choose a school in which your child can thrive. At Austin Children’s Academy, we are focused on the success and happiness of every child we teach. To learn more about us or schedule a tour, get in touch with us today.
