There are many Montessori schools to choose from in the Bay Area. To select the Montessori school that is best for your child, you need to consider a few factors. At the top of your list should be the needs of your child, the educational philosophy of the program, and the logistical needs of your family.

Consider the needs of your child

The needs of your child can help you determine which educational program is best. Programs that closely follow the teachings of Maria Montessori will provide a hands-on, individualized, and self-directed education for your child. Gifted children and those who struggle in some areas can all benefit from this type of program. The hands-on element of a Montessori program helps get and keep students engaged. An individualized learning plan ensures that the unique learning needs of your child are continually met. A focus on self-directed learning helps each student develop a sense of responsibility when it comes to their education. Montessori programs can apply these elements in various ways, so it is important to ask about the design of both the classroom and the curriculum to ensure that they provide a focus on the elements that your child needs.

Look at the educational philosophy of the program

When you see the word ‘Montessori’ in the title of a school, it implies that the design of the classroom and curriculum is based on the Montessori philosophy of education. It is important to understand, however, that some programs follow the Montessori philosophy more closely than others. You can learn about the educational philosophy of a program you are considering by exploring the school website, talking to admissions, and scheduling a time to observe a class. Exploring the design of a particular program will help you determine if the educational philosophy aligns closely with the Montessori philosophy of education as well as your own.

Consider the logistical needs of your family

There are factors outside of the classroom that will impact which Montessori school is best for your child. The first is the location – you need to choose a Montessori school that is close enough to either your home or work for it to make sense logistically. You should also consider the availability of before and aftercare if those are something that you need. Some Montessori programs offer before and aftercare for parents and caregivers who need to drop off early and/or pick up later. Finding a program that offers before and aftercare – instead of looking off-campus for that care – can save you time and make it easier on you day in and day out.

Exploring the elements outlined above will help you determine which Montessori school is best for your child. You can explore everything that Fountainhead Montessori has to offer by visiting the parent library, reading the blog, and scheduling a time to observe a class.