Choosing where to send your child for early education is a multi-faceted process. You will explore the options available in your area and compare what they offer to the needs of your child. You will also consider elements such as educational philosophy, cost, and learning opportunities. A thorough search through the available options can help you make a well-informed choice for your child’s education. In some situations, though, parents find that their initial choice was not the best fit after all.

If you are in a situation where you are ready to move your child from a traditional classroom to a Montessori classroom, there are some logistics to consider. First, does your Montessori school of choice have a spot available for your child? Once you confirm that there is room for your child the next element to consider is timing. Is it best to transition your child out of the traditional classroom at the start of a new school year, the start of a new semester, or whenever you determine is best for your child?

The beginning of a new school year

The ideal time to transition your child from the traditional classroom to a Montessori classroom is at the beginning of a new school year. Even for returning students, a new school year is a time for learning expectations and adjusting to changes. Your student can learn these things right along with everyone else at the beginning of the school year.

The beginning of a new semester

If you want your student to transition from a traditional classroom to a Montessori classroom mid-year, the beginning of a new semester is a good time to make the transition. A new semester signals the closing of one part of the school year and the beginning of the next. It generally occurs after time off from school. New semesters often come with new expectations which means that your student will not be the only one learning how things work in the Montessori classroom

Whenever you determine is best for your child

There are some situations where it is not in the best interest of the child to wait and make a transition at the beginning of the school year or new semester. If the situation your child is facing in the traditional classroom is negative, do not feel like you must make your child wait it out. Do what is best for your child and transition him or her whenever you determine is best. As long as there is a spot available in the Montessori program of your choice, it is possible to make the transition. This transition will be a significant change for your student but the teachers and staff at Fountainhead Montessori are trained to help students make the transition.

If you have decided that the traditional classroom is no longer a good fit for your child, it is time to start taking steps toward a transition. Once you find a program that meets your standards, the next step is to secure placement in the program for your child. The availability of a spot can have a big impact on when your student can make the change. The best time to transition from a traditional classroom to a Montessori classroom depends on the available space in your chosen program and the needs of your child.