https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:10:34 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2510371 Wed, 30 Mar 2016 11:29:12 +0000 Pumpkin Pie 2510371@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for all your input. I love our daycare, but when I met the parent who was transferring, she was speaking so well of the montessori program, saying how her and her husband were also montessori kids and they want to give their kid every advantage, I thought I'd ask you guys what it was all about. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2510322 Wed, 30 Mar 2016 10:38:26 +0000 Modern Daisy 2510322@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I toured an amazing Montessori school for my 2.5 year old and while I was blown away by the overall beauty of the place I decided to keep my son at his current daycare for these reasons:</p> <p>1) cost - the school year program runs almost $1k/month more than what we are currently paying (we need full time care)<br /> 2) flexibility - the center opens 15 minutes later for the day than our daycare (they are the same distance from our house) which means I would have to take a much later train to work on days I do drop off. Also, the scheduled closings were much more frequent than our daycare.<br /> 3) program - while they had a (limited) option for a full day, I felt the program was designed more for families with one parent staying home and being able to work with a limited schedule and always being involved/volunteering for things. Our jobs are very demanding so while we can show up for some events we really can't devote much time to planning or participating.<br /> 4) style - our son needs more structure than the program allows, at least for now. He is definitely adhd (even though this has not yet been diagnosed) and needs to be monitored constantly. I didn't feel like the Montessori open style would be best for his personality.</p> <p>In addition to these things, like you we also love our current daycare! He has great friends and teachers and it's also in a beautiful setting, just not as modern and cool as the Montessori school. We only considered it because I was also feeling the pressure to try Montessori! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2510318 Wed, 30 Mar 2016 10:33:58 +0000 Madison43 2510318@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Silva: yes. Pre-kids, a friend of mine sent her son to a Montessori school and I was really uncomfortable with the emphasis placed on academics so early and just remember being creeped out by the whole vibe of the school - it was honestly a little cult like (all the kids were super quiet and obedient and all the parents had drank the kool aid and were really intense in their belief that this was the best program ever). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2510316 Wed, 30 Mar 2016 10:32:03 +0000 nana87 2510316@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I only briefly considered it when we were looking at daycares, and didn't visit the one near us because I was very turned off by the website's description of how it promotes independence: it discussed how parents say goodbye at the door and don't come in. At the daycare we ultimately chose, there's a huge focus on supporting the child's social-emotional development, including much gentler separation tactics for parents saying goodbye (parents usually stay at least 5 minutes and play with their child during the transition; I often say bye to lo and then we do a "window goodbye" where I wave through the window outside the building because she really loves that; other parents have different, individualized transitional routines). That's a small thing, but super important to me because it sets a tone for how the child is emotionally supported.</p> <p>eta: also, from reading other comments about independence--my daycare has a huge focus on building community in the classroom that I love. my daughter is just turning 2 and is already learning so much empathy from that environment. like, if she hears a child crying anywhere, she stops and looks for the child, asks "misses mama?" and if she knows the child, she goes and gives them a hug. and she's only 2! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2510296 Wed, 30 Mar 2016 09:56:41 +0000 Aimed121 2510296@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Pumpkin Pie: I considered it for my LO quite a while ago but decided against it as I wasn't a fan of the rigidity at that age and also, from my understanding of the program we were looking at, children are encouraged to pursue whatever they are interested in to the exclusion of others - this worried me for my LO because in that case he would sit in a corner and look at books all day and I really wanted him to interact with other kids etc. so I felt that it would not be a good fit for my child - but I can see how it would be great for others.<br /> I think that there are always things, especially in education, that lots of parents are all 'rah-rah' about, but it doesn't mean that it is a good fit for every child. :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2510249 Wed, 30 Mar 2016 09:14:21 +0000 ballerinabee 2510249@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I second the comment that Montessoris vary wildly by school. Any school can call itself Montessori. Here's a direct quote from Montessori.edu, "The name Montessori is not legally protected, and can be used by anyone without oversight. "</p> <p>My brothers and I are Montessori kids (preschool - 5th grade) and we thrived in it for the very reason that it does not require kids of an age group to all do the same thing or be at the same level, and it encourages movement and creativity and child-led learning as much as possible. If my son doesn't want to do letters or numbers, he can spend his day doing art and practical life (learning to pour, use a spoon, learn to use buttons / zippers, tie laces, etc.). </p> <p>Here are the areas Montessori should offer, "The four main areas of the Montessori curriculum are, Practical Life or Everyday Living Skills, Sensorial or learning through the senses, Language and Mathematics. The fifth curriculum area is Culture. The Montessori culture area includes Geography, Science, Music, Art and Yoga."</p> <p>My goal once he's done at the preschool Montessori he's in now is to send him to an AMI certified Montessori for elementary and middle school (this is the type of Montessori my brothers and I attended). There are also AMS certified schools (his preschool is AMS). Here's a good explanation of the difference: <a href="http://www.montessorianswers.com/ami-or-ams.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.montessorianswers.com/ami-or-ams.html</a> </p> <p>I know you can't always gender generalize, but I find that boys in particular thrive in the Montessori classroom because they don't have to sit still at a desk and listen to a lesson. They can move and work at a table or a mat on the floor.</p> <p>I visited 10 "Montessori" schools in our area and observed during class before settling on the school he's in now.</p> <p>Obviously, I'm Montessori biased, but I tell my friends who ask that you know your child best, and you have to feel comfortable with the classroom and teaching style you choose for your child. There's no right or wrong answer. Only you know your child!</p> <p>Phew, sorry for the novel. :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2510153 Wed, 30 Mar 2016 07:59:02 +0000 Ms maths 2510153@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>School closings and cost are the big cons for us.</p> <p>Also, I think inflexibility in implementation can be an issue. We really love our teachers and think they work hard to achieve some larger goals (executive function, independence, emotional and social growth), but that sometimes means they don't follow some Montessori "rules" to the letter. But I have heard that different teachers in our school take a more strict Montessori approach. </p> <p>I would put all of the activities they do into the "play" category. As they move to the primary room, they do have some introductory reading and numbers activities and they sometimes do some science activities, but they seem very child-driven to me and _not_ formally academic. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2510069 Wed, 30 Mar 2016 06:40:44 +0000 Happygal 2510069@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoyfulKiwi: yes! These would be things I would point out, the creativity being a big one for me. It's much more rigid than I think people know. Mat work is serious time!</p> <p>I also have an issue with the expense of it all. If you were to buy the recommended mobiles, wooden toys, etc., it would really add up! There's also an interesting debate between Montessori purists and those who say education should change to keep up with the times: <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2012/12/the-great-montessori-schism/266217/" rel="nofollow">http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2012/12/the-great-montessori-schism/266217/</a></p> <p>Where I live, I think most people hear Montessori and assume it is the best, and while I love many aspects of it, it definitely isn't for everyone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2508787 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 19:16:41 +0000 catlady 2508787@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Pumpkin Pie: Ours is full-time, and doesn't take week long holidays. But we definitely have some in our city that are like that. I think it depends on the school.</p> <p>@Silva: Weird! Ours isn't like that at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2508786 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 19:16:35 +0000 erinpye 2508786@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I thought we would love it, but the program we tried didn't work at all: it was a lot of the same every day, and too rigid for DD. I have learned however, that Montessori programs vary drastically, so I think you have to check them out in person and see if it works for you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2508753 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 18:52:12 +0000 deerylou 2508753@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a similar experience as @Silva: when we visited a local Montessori preschool program. It felt a little stifling and very focused on formal academics, which I am not really looking for. I was actually kind of shocked at my take-away, as I attended Montesorri as a child and have different memories of the experience. Ultimately, we've decided we will likely send her to our local Waldorf preschool once she ages in at three, as I appreciate the focus on creativity, imagination and play. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2508736 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 18:40:14 +0000 Kemma 2508736@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I briefly looked into Montessori for my big girl but was put off by the requirement that all children need to attend every day (five days a week). Attending preschool every day would mean that Miss A could no longer attend music class or our local playgroup and I felt like it would actually limit her range of experiences. We decided to send her to the local public kindergarten (equivalent to preschool in the U.S.) and she goes 1315-1515, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday but will be ageing up to the morning programme in approx May. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2508720 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 18:31:15 +0000 Mrs. Goose 2508720@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Silva: I interviewed go a job at a Montessori school that sounds exactly like what you described. I told my husband it was like walking into a twilight zone and it made me uncomfortable how quiet and neat and tidy the kids had to be. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2508665 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 17:54:28 +0000 winniebee 2508665@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our son has been going for 3 months. Honestly we liked the school he was in (Reggio Emilio) but we moved towns and there's a Montessori inspired school down the road. He's pretty adaptable And we figured it was far more convenient. So far I really like it. It's not strict Montessori philosophy - the do group it more by age (18-36 months, 3-4y, 4-5y). The preschool has been a good experience for him. It's not much different than Emilio really - instead of choice time, there's work time. There's plenty of play, plus two circle times and one afternoon "enrichment" program which includes baking, a group craft, or other group activity. Plenty of outside play. Preschool and toddler program gave part time options. He will do junior k next year which has more of a literacy focus than other Montessori programs and is a little more directed which I think is important for the year before public K. Our toddler will be doing the seedling program starting at 21 months. I've observed it and there is plenty of direction and play as far as I can tell. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2508664 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 17:54:22 +0000 Silva 2508664@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Pumpkin Pie: I thought so too.it really could have just been this program. I fully admit that I'm a Waldorf person, and if we had a local school she'd be going there. There are some similarities in the philosophies, but having spent time in Waldorf classrooms, and having that as my ideal, the montessori school felt very controlled.<br /> It felt warm, certainly, and homey. And I Was really impressed by the confidence that all the kids seemed to have! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2508661 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 17:50:57 +0000 Pumpkin Pie 2508661@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Silva: Interesting. I thought a Montessori would actually be the opposite of what your described. I thought it was about flexibility, creativity, and your child learning at their own speed/way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2508658 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 17:48:05 +0000 Silva 2508658@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We visited our local program when we looked at preschools, and weren't fans. It felt too rigid for a young child, and at least the tour we went on emphasized academic preparedness in a way I was uncomfortable with. They had a tiny room that was half storage, half "movement space" for in case "a child, usually a boy, needs to move his body." Obviously this was specific to this program, but I was like "um....3 year olds should all need to move their bodies almost all the time."<br /> Anyway, we were looking for something with more flexibility, creativity, and a greater emphasis on "being a kid." I'm not concerned with preparing my daughter for kindergarten beyond her ability to sit in circle time and get along reasonably well with other kids, so academic preparedness is actually a turn off for me. Childhood is short, I just want her to play for as long as possible.</p> <p>I don't know. The school felt weird. There were a lot of kids their but it was really quiet and controlled. We were just looking for something different, in the end. It could have just been the program we visited, too!</p> <p>Also they would t accommodate a part time schedule (part of their philosophy) and were expensive. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2508649 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 17:35:02 +0000 DenverMom 2508649@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A friend's kids attend Montessori. I think the curriculum and teaching approach is great, but I really do not like that the Montessori she attends does not have a chef and kitchen. I work full time and my kids are at daycare/preschool from 7-6 everyday, so I like them to have fresh warm meals rather than leftovers from home for each meal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2508612 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 17:00:38 +0000 MamaG 2508612@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Pumpkin Pie: In my experience, they tend to have shorter daily hours than other daycares. As an example our daycare is 6:30 - 6:30, whereas our local Montessori is shorter day (4-6 hours per day). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2508592 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 16:40:51 +0000 Pumpkin Pie 2508592@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catlady: I don't know if all Montessori schools have the same similar/schedule, but it looks like they have a lot of school closings. Our day care only closes on the major holidays when we don't have work, and 1/day a year for their teacher seminars. The Montessori schools seem to have week long closings. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2508583 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 16:26:21 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 2508583@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I teach Montessori preschool right now and some of the cons I've seen are:<br /> -some very traditional settings can be rigid &amp; don't allow for a lot of flexibility/creativity<br /> -some kids struggle with the level of independence, especially if they're not very independent at home or if they've got sensory/processing issues<br /> -some kids struggle with the loss of independence once in a non-Montessori learning environment </p> <p>I really love Montessori, although my classroom is not "pure" and allows for more modifications than some classrooms I've observed. I think most kids can thrive in Montessori and really love how the emphasis is on meeting kids where they're at individually and focusing on gaining independence over their own learning. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2508568 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 16:13:39 +0000 catlady 2508568@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think most of the time, it is more expensive than other options. I'd be curious to see if there are other cons. We're already on track for one (our daycare is Montessori, so the preschool attached is too). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2508567 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 16:12:17 +0000 gingerbebe 2508567@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it really depends on your kid's personality. I know a lot of parents pick programs because they agree with a certain philosophy or skill set they want their kids to learn, but DH and I have been more inclined to go the other way around. I generally like Montessori education, but at 18 months I don't really feel it's the right fit for my son - at least the ones around us. It's a total gut thing as a mom, but I just feel like he would get frustrated right now by that sort of setting. Maybe I'll feel differently later on as he develops more. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-not-like-montessori-preschool-for-their-kids-or-anyone-not-a-fan-in-general#post-2508561 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 16:02:51 +0000 Pumpkin Pie 2508561@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My 18 months old is at a daycare that we generally like. They also have a preschool, but I ran into a parent who said they will be switching to a Montessori preschool. Everyone seems to love the Montessori program, so I'm starting to feel maybe I'm doing a disservice to my daughter by not considering it. Montessori would also be cheaper than our current day care, but its our of the way a bit.</p> <p>I've read the pros about it, anyone want to share any cons? Or your thoughts in general? I'm just trying to gather info. </p>