Anne Halsall
Anne Halsall is Chief Product & Technology Officer (CPTO) and co-founder of Winnie. Anne leads product and technology at Winnie, including AI, platform and data.
If you’re like most parents, the decision to enroll your child in preschool can feel overwhelming. There are so many things to consider, from tuition costs to the type of program. Are you looking for a play-based program, something more academic or somewhere in between? Odds are, in your search you have come across the term Montessori, which is a popular educational philosophy that encourages independence and teaches real-world skills.
If you’re interested in Montessori programs, you may have even more questions on what to look. That’s why we’re sharing our top 6 tips on how to choose a Montessori school for your child. Checkout preschools near you on Winnie and ask them the questions suggested below.
Tips for selecting the right Montessori school
- Proximity to home or work
- Understanding Montessori accreditation types
- Accreditation's importance in verifying a genuine Montessori program.
- The importance of teacher training in a true Montessori program
- Feel of the school and classroom
- Size of the program
- Observe the other children
Proximity to home or work.
This goes for more than just Montessori schools, but it’s something that you may neglect in your search for the “perfect” program. When searching for Montessori preschools near you, you should search by specific areas and even use the Winnie map function to zoom in on your home or business neighborhood. This will limit stress and reduce miles driven when you limit yourself by geography alone and help narrow down the decision on choosing a Montessori school.
Understanding the two types of Montessori accreditation
Montessori education is popular for parents seeking an alternative to traditional schooling. When considering a Montessori school, one common question is whether it is accredited and what type of accreditation it holds. It's important to note that there are two types of Montessori accreditation: Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and American Montessori Society (AMS).
AMI accreditation is granted by an international organization that adheres strictly to the principles established by Dr. Maria Montessori. AMS accreditation, on the other hand, is granted by a U.S.-based organization that may have slightly different criteria for accreditation. While both accreditations demonstrate that a school has met certain standards of Montessori education, it's important to research the specific accreditation a school holds to understand its significance.
So, does having one type of Montessori accreditation make a school better than another? Not necessarily. It's essential to look at the individual school and its specific accreditation to assess its quality. A school with AMS accreditation may have an outstanding program, while another school with AMI accreditation may not be as strong. Ultimately, a parent's decision should be based on various factors, including the school's philosophy, curriculum, teaching staff, and overall fit for their child.
The importance of accreditation in identifying a true Montessori program
Many parents may not be aware that the term "Montessori" is not trademarked, and therefore, any school can claim to offer a Montessori program. This is why accreditation is crucial in identifying an actual Montessori program.
Accreditation by organizations such as the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) or the American Montessori Society (AMS) ensures that a school has met rigorous standards for Montessori education. These standards include an authentic Montessori curriculum, philosophy, methodology, and qualified and trained teachers. Accreditation also requires ongoing evaluation and improvement, ensuring the school meets these standards over time.
When researching Montessori schools, parents should inquire about the school's accreditation status and the specific accreditation organization. This information can provide valuable insights into the quality of the school's program and the level of commitment to the Montessori philosophy. By choosing an accredited Montessori program, parents can be confident that their child is receiving an authentic and high-quality Montessori education.
The importance of teacher training in a true Montessori program
When considering a Montessori school for your child, it's important to distinguish between a true Montessori program and a Montessori-inspired program. One key factor in determining whether a school offers an authentic Montessori education is the teacher training program. Dr. Maria Montessori's teaching method is unique and requires specialized training to understand and implement effectively.
When researching Montessori schools, ask about the qualifications of the teaching staff. Ideally, the lead teacher in each classroom should have a Montessori teaching credential from a reputable training program. Look for programs accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) or the American Montessori Society (AMS). These programs provide extensive training in the Montessori philosophy and methodology, ensuring teachers can effectively guide children's development. Additionally, inquire about ongoing professional development opportunities for teachers. A commitment to ongoing learning and growth is a hallmark of a quality Montessori program.
Feel of the school and classroom.
Montessori programs can be held in a private home or a larger school, and one is not necessarily better. The only way to know which Montessori program or teacher is right for your child is to get out and visit them. Interview the teachers and school directors and also take a tour of the entire school or place where the program is held. This way, you can see the area it’s in, get a feel for the people working in the program, and see where your child will learn every day.
Size of the program.
It’s important to note that Montessori programs put a larger focus on community, which may lead to larger class sizes. As you interview with different teachers and programs, don’t be afraid to ask about their class sizes, especially if you’re worried about one-on-one time with your child.
Teachers and directors will be transparent with this information, and can even put your mind at ease if you have concerns about why the class sizes are larger and what that will mean for your child. These are important questions to ask when choosing a Montessori school for your child.
Observe the other children.
When you tour the Montessori program you’re interested in, it’s important to also observe the children who attend. Are they playing happily and quietly? Do they seem content and engaged? Are there children who seem about the same age as your child? Are there any behavioral concerns with the other children?
If you bring your child with you to the tour, you can see how he or she engages with the others. This is an easy way to determine how to choose a Montessori school for your child to see how well they get along with other children.
Ask all the questions.
Every preschool is different, and the same goes for Montessori programs. They may have a basic structure guiding their method, but they may differ in hours, prices, class sizes, age ranges, number of teachers, curriculum and more. That’s why meeting with each potential Montessori program/teacher is so important to get to know them.
Here are 9 important questions to ask when touring a Montessori school:
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What makes your program different?
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What are your hours? Are those flexible?
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What days are you closed?
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What are your prices? How often do I pay?
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How do you handle discipline issues?
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Will you have reports on my child’s progress?
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Who do I talk to if I have questions?
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Are there parties or events I should know about?
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Can I volunteer in the classroom?
All of these questions go with any preschool or childcare you decide to enroll your child in, but they’re especially relevant with choosing a Montessori school.
Because Montessori programs are much more child-led and focused on exploring a child’s surroundings, you want to make sure that every bit of your child’s experience will be up to your standards before choosing a Montessori school.
As always, if you are not sure a program is right for you, keep looking. Not every school or every teacher will click with your family--and that’s OK.
Montessori preschool vs Montessori daycares vs Montessori nursery. Is there a difference?
The difference between Montessori preschool, daycare, or nursery school may be just the hours offered or the program's location. Some Montessori programs are more loosely inspired by the philosophy. In contrast, others are strict devotees, so it's important to ask questions about the curriculum when considering a Montessori preschool or daycare for your child.
The important thing is to do a thorough search for a Montessori or Montessori-inspired program and review the available information (hours, location, contact info) before setting up a tour. We recommend choosing five highly rated Montessori schools to tour in your area, but you may find the right one for you on the first try!
5 things to look for when touring a Montessori school
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The Prepared Environment: The Montessori classroom should be carefully prepared to meet the developmental needs of the children. Look for classrooms with age-appropriate furniture, materials displayed in an organized and accessible way, and plenty of open space for movement and exploration.
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The Teacher-Student Interaction: In a Montessori classroom, the teacher plays a role of a guide or facilitator rather than an authoritarian figure. Observe how the teachers interact with the children, do they engage in active listening and demonstrate respect and empathy towards them.
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Student Engagement: Montessori education emphasizes student-led learning and encourages children to explore and discover at their own pace. Look for classrooms where children are actively engaged in their learning, moving freely around the room, and choosing materials based on their individual interests.
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Mixed-Age Grouping: One of the hallmarks of Montessori education is mixed-age grouping, which allows children to learn from and with one another. Look for classrooms where children of different ages work together, help each other, and learn from each other.
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Authentic Montessori Materials: The Montessori materials are an essential component of the method, as they are designed to be self-correcting and facilitate the child's learning process. Look for classrooms with a wide range of Montessori materials that are complete, in good condition, and age-appropriate for the children in the classroom.
FAQ for Choosing a Montessori School
1. How do I find Montessori schools near me?
Use tools like Winnie to search by specific areas near your home or work, which helps reduce stress and narrow down options by proximity.
2. What are the two types of Montessori accreditation?
Montessori schools can be accredited by either the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) or the American Montessori Society (AMS). Both accreditations signify adherence to Montessori principles but have slightly different criteria.
3. Does Montessori accreditation make one school better than another?
Not necessarily. The quality of the program depends on the individual school, its curriculum, and how well it fits your child’s needs.
4. Why is accreditation important in Montessori schools?
Accreditation ensures that a Montessori program follows the authentic philosophy, curriculum, and teacher qualifications, protecting against schools that may use the Montessori name without offering a true Montessori education.
5. What should I look for in Montessori teacher training?
Look for schools where lead teachers have credentials from reputable Montessori programs like AMI or AMS. Teacher training is key to ensuring a true Montessori learning experience.
6. What should I consider when touring a Montessori school?
Look at the feel of the classroom, the teacher-student interaction, and how engaged and content the children are. It’s also important to ask about class sizes and observe how well your child fits with the environment.
7. What’s the difference between Montessori preschools, daycares, and nurseries?
The main differences often lie in the hours offered and the location. Some programs may be more loosely inspired by Montessori philosophy, so be sure to ask about the curriculum and teaching methods.
8. What questions should I ask when touring a Montessori school?
Ask about class sizes, curriculum, teacher qualifications, pricing, flexibility, and discipline policies. Also, inquire about progress reports and opportunities to volunteer in the classroom.
9. What are the key things to look for when touring a Montessori school?
Look for a well-prepared environment, respectful teacher-student interactions, engaged students, mixed-age classrooms, and authentic Montessori materials.
