Why Parents Love Montessori
Atlanta Parent spoke to parents about why they chose Montessori education for their kids.
Laura Tison Meis
Hana is a graduate of Carlisle Montessori School, and Felix will graduate in May:
How did you originally hear about Montessori education?
We were looking for a school or daycare setting for our daughter. Carlisle was steps from our old home; we could walk there. We decided to check it out. It was fascinating watching the children, who were working independently and caring for themselves at such a young age.
Why did you choose Carlisle Montessori School?
Our initial motivation in choosing Carlisle was the walking distance. My daughter started Carlisle at 19 months. When she was 3, we moved across town, but we opted to keep her there. It was an
investment in her education — it was not just childcare. My son came along when she was 4, and he started in the Toddler program at 18 months. There are four years between my kids, so they’ve been going to two different schools for three years now. That’s how much we like Carlisle — it’s worth it to have two kids going to two different schools with different pickup, drop off times. We’re all about convenience, but we have never questioned our decision to enroll our kids in two different schools.
What do you like about Montessori education?
Both of my kids knew how to read at age 4. They were both magically potty trained; I never had to do anything. From a very young age — their grandparents and relatives would remark on this — if they wanted more water or milk, they would get out of their seats and get it for themselves. They clean up, and they want to help, want to do things on their own. The independence, responsibility and credibility Montessori education gives children is really amazing.
The academic strength of Montessori in preparing children in traditional schools is vastly underrated. People don’t realize how structured and rigorous it really is in terms of academics. Hana started first grade at Atlanta International School, and other parents wanted to know, “Where did she come from? My kid talks about her reading in class all the time and how she’s so smart.” Parents think Montessori wouldn’t work for my child, because my kid needs to be pushed. They don’t realize how well-prepared they are with Montessori. I’ve been very, very pleased. Nothing compares to Montessori education.
What advice would you give families who are interested in Montessori education?
Look at a local, accredited Montessori school near you. Jump right in and don’t question it. There is an overwhelming possibility that it will work very well for your child. Give it a chance. It’s worth it for most kids, and you won’t be disappointed. Montessori has been really, really important in my children’s development and in setting them up for success.
Stacey Johnson
Peyton is an eighth grader at Montessori School at Emory:
How did you originally hear about Montessori education?
We were at dinner with our oldest daughter’s friend’s family. They recommended we look at Montessori for our middle child and expressed how much they loved Montessori and especially a teacher by the name of Ms. Millie! They proceeded to pull out school work. We were intrigued, so we scheduled a tour. Peyton has been at MSAE for 12 years.
What do you like about Montessori education?
I love the independence that the children have from early on. They are able to explore and learn independently, in addition to being guided by their teachers.
What advice would you give families who are interested in Montessori education?
Take a tour. Be open to alternate versions of teaching and learning. I went to a traditional school in the Bronx. When I saw how the children were learning, I worried about their method. I worried that the kids would not learn, but I was wrong. I was used to traditional schooling.
What will you miss about Montessori education?
Peyton will be transitioning to a neighborhood public high school later this year, and I’ll miss the freedom she’s had to explore and learn in the classroom. I’ve truly appreciated the exposure she’s had to friends from diverse backgrounds.
Jennifer Griffin
Natalie is a junior at Counterpane Montessori School:
How did you originally hear about Montessori education?
I have an Early Childhood Education degree and while in college, I did some studying of Montessori education. When her father and I were deciding on a pre-K program, my ex-husband (husband at the time) suggested Montessori education, because he went to a Montessori school as a child and it was a great experience. I thought it was a good idea. I didn’t think she’d end up going to Montessori school her entire childhood; I thought we’d move on to public school. The only time she went to public school was during COVID and that was an online school. We prefer Montessori education 100%!
Why did you choose Counterpane Montessori School?
When graduating from Discover Montessori School in sixth grade, we asked her what she wanted to do, and she wanted to go to a Montessori school. As I researched the limited options available to us, I really liked what the reviews said about Counterpane. I went for a visit, and then participated in their Silent Journey event, where parents and family members get a hands-on view of what it’s like to be a Counterpane Montessori student. I left knowing she’d fit right in. The next step was having her visit the school for a couple of days to see what she thought. We all felt it was the best fit. Unfortunately, as we were about to enroll her, COVID hit. We decided to put her in the public online school in Georgia while everyone was sheltered in place. After a year and a half, she begged me to let her go in person to Counterpane, and she started mid-year of her eighth grade year.
What do you like about Montessori education?
I love how Montessori is child-centered and allows the students to explore what they want to learn. It’s a unique whole-learner education where they incorporate all areas of learning while focusing on subjects the children enjoy and want to learn.
What advice would you give families who are interested in Montessori education?
Montessori schools are best when the whole family is an active part of the community. She had a better experience when I was actively involved in her education. The Montessori schools Natalie went to always offered the state’s standardized testing each year. I had Natalie take the standardized test that was provided by the school each year so that I was confident she was excelling in her education.
Has Montessori education prepared Natalie for the future?
Counterpane Montessori School has become home to us. Next year will be Natalie’s last year, and I’m so excited about her future. Counterpane Montessori School is a community where everyone works together to give these children the best possible education.
