Montessori education provides students with learning activities that promote creativity, imagination, independence, uniqueness and hands-on experiences. For these reasons, many parents are interested in enrolling their children in a Montessori school.
However, choosing the right Montessori school for a child can be difficult. How can parents know if a school will be able to provide a quality and top notch Montessori education for their kids?
Today--uke players from Montessori Charter School--Family Day @booksandbookskw. Thanks all for buying books locally. pic.twitter.com/plw7dAEfru
— Judy Blume (@judyblume) May 16, 2016
Proper Accreditation
A Montessori school with an accreditation means that it meets a set of criteria and has adequate resources to undergo a proper accreditation process. However, a school that implements Montessori education does not need to have an accreditation in order to be considered as a quality Montessori school.
"Schools that are not accredited are not necessarily lacking - they simply have chosen not to undergo the process," educator Andrea Lulka explained to Montessori 101. "When visiting a school, it may lend some insight to ask why they chose to be accredited by a particular organization, or why they chose not to seek accreditation."
Licensed Teachers
Another indication of a quality Montessori school is having licensed teachers that are certified to teach the age level they are working with. If the teachers do not have certifications for the age level they are currently teaching, they should at least be in the process of training for or acquiring those certifications. Good Montessori teachers also allow students to learn at their own pace, according to WMI Central.
A Calm & Peaceful Environment
Self-discipline is also an important part of Montessori education. Montessori school teachers should be applying discipline methods that do not involve behavioral techniques such as giving stars, demerits, time-outs and other forms of punishment.
Adequate Facilities
A good Montessori education encourages resourcefulness and takes advantage of materials and the environment. A Montessori school that practices green living is also a good sign.
Teacher Andrea Lulka also suggests that parents ask a very important question when choosing a Montessori school that provides quality Montessori education. "Does it feel like a place you and your child will be comfortable?"
