Montessori kindergarten was a dream year

Our daughter won a lottery spot at a public Montessori charter school after attending private Montessori preschool. She learned to read, write, and do math while growing as a leader in the multi-age classroom.

We started wondering about traditional school

Talking with neighbors about their public school experiences made us curious whether a traditional classroom might be better for our family. We decided to tour the nearby elementary school to see what it offered.

Public school had exciting new possibilities

The elementary school offered more specials like art, music, and global studies, multiple outdoor playscapes, a cafeteria, and bus rides. It was also closer to home and had stronger community connections.

The switch happened smoothly

After a few weeks in first grade, our daughter is happy and making friends easily. She's well prepared for traditional school because of her strong Montessori foundation, though we dislike some practices like using candy as a behavior reward.

What we loved about Montessori

The multi-age classroom, focus on caring for nature, and hands-on learning approach helped our daughter build understanding through physical materials. These strengths prepared her well for the transition.

Both paths have real merit

There are genuine pros and cons to each approach. What matters most is finding a school that feels right for your child and family, knowing that the best choice is deeply personal and may differ for each family.

“We can hold both truths.”