Montessori Schools with 2 or 3 day half-day Primary programs (Atlanta, Sandy Springs: credit, home)

[LovelySummer]

Hi Everyone,
We've got a little one that we'd like to start in Montessori school next Fall.
He will be 2.5 so we are looking at Primary programs.
We'd like to start him out in a 2 or 3 day half-day program.
Unfortunately, seems that most programs are five day and we think this a bit much for a 2.5 year old.
Anyone got any recommendations for 2 or 3 day half-day programs?
We're ok with him going five days a week when he is 4 or 5.

[argecash]

Originally Posted by LovelySummer

Hi Everyone,
We've got a little one that we'd like to start in Montessori school next Fall.
He will be 2.5 so we are looking at Primary programs.
We'd like to start him out in a 2 or 3 day half-day program.
Unfortunately, seems that most programs are five day and we think this a bit much for a 2.5 year old.
Anyone got any recommendations for 2 or 3 day half-day programs?
We're ok with him going five days a week when he is 4 or 5.

I'm pretty sure all the Montessori schools have 5 day programs, it's part of the philosophy. I was looking at this when we were considering Montessori last year. However, there may be a school that isn't a strict Montessori school that would offer less days. If you tell me what area you are looking in I might be able to suggest some schools that do have 2 or 3 day programs.

[WannaBeinBoston]

There are programs all over this metro area. If you tell us where you're looking perhaps we can help. I use to love the Montessori method but it's almost cult-like and home schoolish down here.

[LovelySummer]

Thanks Argecash. We are willing to drive anywhere north-south between Peachtree City and Sandy Springs and east-west anywhere between Smyrna and Buckhead.
@Wannabe, what have you experienced that makes you refer to the method as "cult-like and home schoolish" do tell!

[argecash]

Originally Posted by LovelySummer

Thanks Argecash. We are willing to drive anywhere north-south between Peachtree City and Sandy Springs and east-west anywhere between Smyrna and Buckhead.
@Wannabe, what have you experienced that makes you refer to the method as "cult-like and home schoolish" do tell!

I really don't think you'll find an accredited Montessori school with a program that is less than 5 days. However, there are many preschools that offer 2-3 days that aren't Montessori. The Waldorf School of Atlanta offers a 3 day program for 3 year olds and a 1 day program for younger children. Many neighborhood churches offer 2-3 day programs. There are also some neighborhood schools like Oakhurst Cooperative Preschool, Atlanta Progressive Preschool, and Grant Park Cooperative Preschool.

You could always have your child start at one preschool and switch to Montessori at age 4. That is usually the oldest they will accept a new child. If you want to find an accredited Montessori school you can look at the websites for the AMI or AMS.

School Locator | AMI USA
Find a School | American Montessori Society

We actually had a bad experience with our son at a Montessori school last year and have moved him to another school this year.

[LovelySummer]

Thanks Argecash. Good information. Also, do you mind sharing your experience with the Montessori school? We are just venturing into this arena and so, to hear that you had a bad experience, is really alarming. I appreciate your input greatly.

[LovelySummer]

Also, thanks for the links. I was (naively) taking the schools at their words that they are AMI accredited (or AMS accredited). In this day and age, everything should be checked! Thanks.

[LovelySummer]

Oh my! Two of the three schools that I was looking at are not even accredited!

[Sound of Reason]

You might as well have your kid play outside. He or she would probably learn more than at a Montessori "school".

Montessori schools operate on the flawed concept of "let the children decide what they want to learn".

Really? A child that is ignorant to the world gets to "choose" what he or she wants to learn?

Furthermore, they usually only "study" a few topics in a year, one's the child has "chosen".

I see no benefit.

[LovelySummer]

Sound of Reason,
I think there is a bit more to what you mentioned.
From what I understand, the children get to choose what they want to learn - but to an extent. They still have to complete certain material before they can progress within the class. Also, I have read that the "guide" will "guide" a student to other material (if the guide is any good) after the child lingers too long on something that the child has mastered. So, I don't think it's quite as simple as you have laid out.
If it was, I don't think Montessori students would be so far ahead of other children when they transition into non-Montessori environments.
Also, what do you mean they only study a few topics a year. In the schools that I am researching (you can check out the websites by simply clicking on the curriculum tab at any Montessoris school on the internet), 3-6 year olds study math, language arts, reading, social studies/geography/culture, science/environment, practical life skills, grace and courtesy, and a foreign language. That seems like more than what most 3-6 year olds are studying. Don't you think?