In 2018, the US had over 137,400 schools, and 90% of American students attended public schools. It can be good to follow the crowd; if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?

But what if your child’s not doing so well in public school? In that case, there are other choices available. For example, you might want to look into Montessori schools!

What is a Montessori school? And is it the right choice for your child? Read on to find out!

What Is a Montessori School?

A Montessori school is one that places an emphasis on choice and independence for students. It was first created in the late 1800s by Maria Montessori, who was actually the first female physician in Italy! She had a passion for child development, which motivated her to open her own preschool in Rome in 1907.

This style of teaching quickly caught on all across Europe and then made its way overseas to the US. Today, there are thousands of Montessori schools available.

While most children go to Montessori elementary school, there are also Montessori high school choices available. You can also find Montessori preschools.

The Cost of Montessori School

You should know that Montessori schools aren’t free. You can expect to pay up to $15,000 per year for tuition!

The exact amount will depend on which school your child’s going to, whether they’re going to a half or full-day program, and how old they are.

Is a Montessori School Right for Your Child?

Because Montessori schools aren’t free, you might want to first assess your situation before sending them to one. While the philosophy can sound lovely, it’s definitely not optimal for every kid.

Generally, if you want school to be a fun place, don’t want it to be competitive, and don’t like the traditional classroom, then Montessori can be a good fit. This is especially true if you’re against rote memorization and strict teaching, as well as regular testing.

Also, if you encourage your little one to be independent, then they’ll thrive at a Montessori school. A good indicator that this might be an excellent alternative is if your child is struggling to fit into the traditional classroom.

They might be bright but are failing tests. And they might be disinterested in learning because of a lack of interaction and an emphasis on the teacher being the sole mentor.

At a Montessori school, not only will they have other older children as mentors, but they’ll also see a more hands-on approach from you and your spouse. Teachers are only there to be a guide!

If you’re curious, view this Montessori school to see how it’s run.

Check Out Montessori Schools Today

Now you know the answer to the question, “what is a Montessori school”. If you feel like it’s the right fit for your child, then get started by scheduling tours.

By getting a firsthand look at what your local schools have to offer, you can then determine whether sending your kid there is the right decision.

For more about education, take a look at the rest of our blog page.