Hi! I am new to this community, and while my 8 year old son has been diagnosed for 3-4 years already- I still feel so uneducated! I am struggling through trying to make school work well for him, but don't quite know what he needs or where to begin.
A new montessori charter is opening near us and I have been considering it. I've always been drawn to the movement and hands-on learning approach montessori provides, but am afraid about my son's struggle with self-direction. Does anyone have experience? I am afraid to make the leap as it is such a different approach than he's had thus far, and I would hate to do anything to make him further behind his peers if we end up returning to public school.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you so much
This may not be helpful, but here’s what I can offer: it depends. Not all Montessori schools are the same; the name is not protected intellectual property, so it can be hard to generalize. Usually AMI Montessori Schools start the kids at the Primary level- 3 or 4 years old. Most lessons at that level are very hands on. And particularly in mixed age classes there is plenty of direction from the teacher and more experienced children.
By the upper elementary level the lessons are still largely experiential, but more reading, writing and abstract work is expected, even though it’s child driven to a fairly large extent.
My kid did great in an AMI Montessori School until around 6th grade, when the independent work expectations ramped up, and work output expectations were high. In seventh grade, homework was added, and we had to make a change. The high reading, writing and independent research demands played to my boy’s weaknesses.
I’d say check it out, be honest with the admissions team, and if they say it’s not a good fit believe them and don’t get your feelings hurt. On the other hand, if they stress that they “follow the child,” and believe all would be fine, your son might have a great experience. If he’s one who finds a topic he’s interested in and can’t get enough, Montessori may give him more freedom to pursue his passions. Good luck!