The school you choose for your child will have an impact on multiple areas of his or her life. Early education can provide a firm foundation to build upon throughout life. Montessori school is an option that is attractive to many families because of factors such as the educational philosophy, the design of the classroom, and the individualization of the curriculum. Before you decide if Montessori is right for your child, it is a good idea to ask yourself some specific questions around these topics.
What is my educational philosophy?
It is important to know your own educational philosophy as you look at options for your child’s education. Your educational philosophy includes the beliefs you have about learning and education: how people learn, what the goal is for education, the role of the teacher in the classroom, etc. Take some time to examine your beliefs about learning and education. Knowing where you stand on these topics will help you determine if the Montessori philosophy of education aligns with your own beliefs.
What type of environment do I want my child to learn in?
Most people are familiar with the design of the typical public classroom in the United States. Desks set up in rows facing the front of the classroom where the teacher stands to instruct students. There are, of course, variations to this design within the public school. If you are looking for an environment and classroom design that is drastically different, Montessori school may be right for your child. Environment can have a big impact on learning and your child’s overall experience with school. The environment of the Montessori classroom is thoughtfully designed to support student learning. Ask yourself what type of environment you want your child to learn in and then explore educational options to find one that aligns with your vision.
What are the unique learning needs of my child?
Public school programs are focused on making sure that every child has access to the same education. This can work for kids that fall right at the average level and do not have any unique learning needs. However, as a parent, you likely realize that there are very few (if any) kids that do not have some type of unique learning needs. Some children are advanced in a particular area and need to be challenged regularly. Some children respond to a particular type of teaching and struggle with other modes of instruction. Ask yourself about the unique learning needs of your child and seek out a program that can meet those unique learning needs. The Montessori Philosophy views each child as unique and focuses on providing individualized instruction based on those needs.
Are there high-quality Montessori school options in my area?
The final question to ask as you consider Montessori school for your child is, ‘Are there high-quality Montessori school options in my area?’ If you live in or around Dublin, Danville, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, or Livermore then the answer is yes. Fountainhead Montessori School has five campuses serving the families of California.
You can schedule a campus tour and classroom observation time and get answers to all of your questions about Montessori and the Fountainhead Montessori School program.