Wanna share your school thoughts?

[eratmama]

Remember when I got the girls into our *second choice* school? It's a public charter (free), about a mile from home (L would drive them on her way to work, she or I would pick them up after), pretty diverse, but still public--classes of 32 kids. 2 or 3 classes/grade. Most go on to pretty good public high schools.

Today, I found out that Zucchini got into our *first choice* school. (It's all first come first enrolled). It's a Montessori school, two blocks away (they could walk together). Where we always wanted Pumpkin to go. Smaller classes, smaller school overall. More of a family. Very diverse.

Neither kid has been to a Montessori school before. I think it could be good for Zucchini, and she wouldn't get lost. Because Zucchini got in, Carrot just moved up the list, and odds are higher she could get in. Carrot is NOT used to making her own choices about anything and it will be a big shock.

Now, there are 3 scenarios--A) Zucchini goes to Montessori, Carrot stays at the public charter.

B) Both girls go to public charter

C) Both girls go to Montessori (if Carrot gets in).

We will obviously take them for a tour, and ask a bunch more questions, but I would love if anyone wants to weigh in.

[ElsaVonM]

I went to a Montessori-esque school, where everyone worked at their own pace and we had a lot of free work periods. The kids who needed more guidance and direction got it. I think especially since they have small classes, it would work out for both.

I am not looking forward to having to make these kinds of choices! Eek!

[clickerish]

We have no kids, but a friend of ours had daughters in Montessori and taught Montessori. She says there is a VAST difference between the schools. The one they were at originally was amazing. They are lovely and outgoing children with a lot of capacity to self-teach but also work with others. When they moved to Indiana, she was going to enroll them in a Montessori there as well but chose not to because according to her it was super competitive and too focused on tests. So, my suggestion is to try the school and see if you get the vibe that you want from it.

And on another note, I have cousins who the first two went to private schools and the last to public for 6 years since it was closer to home and then private. The youngest is by far less elitist and more outgoing, so, while her parents aren't happy she turned out so "average" if it were my child, I would be thrilled to death to have switched it up.

[ct]

I think this is one of those things you have to go with your gut on. You know the girls best and have a good grasp on the type of environment that they can thrive in.

Good luck!