How Long Should Your Child Stay at a Montessori School?

Montessori schools usually enroll children at the early stages of development. At age two or three, it is thought children tend to learn easier because their brains are like sponges; constantly taking in more and more information. They are also very impressionable. Once introduced to the teaching methods of a Montessori school, they find that learning is more about fun and approach it with a natural curiosity to know more.

A Montessori education allows for more freedom in the learning environment. Children in a Montessori school generally learn by doing and get a much more hands-on education that their traditional school counterparts. Older children help younger children to grow and develop. The mixed age level classroom can be a benefit to both the older children and the younger children alike. You may wonder when is the time to move on from this type of learning environment or even if you should consider moving on at all. 

Montessori schools leave it up to the parents to decide at what age they would want to transition their child to a more traditional school setting. Although the decision is yours to make, a Montessori will recommend a certain stage in your child's development for when the supposed “right” time will be. Let's take a look at what some of these ages and stages might be, depending on the child's temperament and abilities.

Kindergarten Years

Most Montessori schools believe that the age of five is a good point for children to move on. Once they reach kindergarten, children with a Montessori education have learned how to adjust to their environments so much that moving to a more traditional school atmosphere is just another opportunity to learn more.

Your child has learned so much at this stage that once he enters an elementary school, he will most likely be further ahead in his developmental learning that those children without a Montessori educational background. Do not worry. Since your child has been taught to be self-motivated and more responsible at age five. The transition is just another step in his joy of learning.

Other Options

There are opportunities for your child to continue his education through a Montessori school. Although Montessori schools are usually for early childhood development in the preschool stages, some programs continue through the elementary years, middle school years and high school age children. You will find that there are some, yet very few in numbers, Montessori schools that continue the program through secondary school. A Montessori education is available at all levels, depending on the needs of you and your child. It is ultimately up to you and your child to determine what is best for their future education.

Free versus Fee

Since a Montessori education costs more than traditional ones, consider the long-term costs beyond the preschool age. At kindergarten, traditional schools are free to attend. This may play a factor in your decision, depending on your budget. Keep in mind that even public school isn't always "free," but the costs are significantly less than any private Montessori or non-Montessori school.

Schedule a tour at our Montessori school today, and get more information and recommendations on how long to keep your child in a Montessori program. We will give you our opinion based on the learning style and capabilities of your child. Many children find themselves more comfortable in a Montessori environment, but of course there is a benefit in not pressuring your child to do something he doesn't want to do. We can offer a comprehensive evaluation of your child to determine the best course of action.