Let’s be real. Every parent questions the best educational decision for her child. My own insecurities were put to rest when the principal of Daggett Montessori School (DMS), Susan Wade, came to an informative neighborhood meeting, highlighting Daggett Montessori. She emphatically stated that “every student is made for Montessori; every parent is not.”
It’s hard for parents stemming from a traditional education background to hop on board with Montessori, but my husband and I are both from traditional backgrounds and have both been EXTREMELY impressed with the philosophy of Montessori learning. Our straight-laced, rule-following son wouldn’t take off his socks without permission prior to his kindergarten year. Now he will make decisions based on whether it is appropriate in the moment. He is deliberate in his decision-making and confident in the choices he makes.
Daggett Montessori School has been an incredible experience for our family. My son started kindergarten last year and all the doubts or insecurities we had are now gone.
One of my first impressions of the school as a whole was at Halloween when the kindergarten class was asked to dress as a book character and parade the halls of the school showing off their costume. Not only was I impressed with the upper elementary kiddos cheering on the younger ones, but also the middle school students, high-fiving the five- and six-year-olds and yelling, “Cool costume, dude” and “You look beautiful” as the little ones marched by. How many middle-schoolers do that?!? (I know not many because I taught middle school for eight years!) I stopped and complimented a few of them as I followed behind my son. One in particular said, “Hey, we were that age once. I remember how it felt when the older ones were cheering me on!”
This school is a big family. From the administration to faculty and staff to the parents and students–a true example of how all sectors work together to make a school or “family” run. We are so grateful for the families and friends, teachers, and classmates that have been introduced to us at DMS.
Based on the philosophy of Maria Montessori, here’s what you can expect from a Montessori school:
- Mixed age classrooms, with classrooms for children ages 2.5-3 to 6 years old are by far the most common.
- Student choice of activity from a prescribed range of options.
- Uninterrupted blocks of work time, ideally three hours.
- A constructivist or “discovery” model, where students learn concepts from working with materials, rather than by direct instruction.
- Specialized educational materials developed by Ms. Montessori and her collaborators.
- Freedom of movement within the classroom.
- A trained Montessori teacher.
We chose Daggett Montessori because they teach children to be independent, self-starters while providing an excellent education at the same time. My husband and I have always been under the philosophy that we don’t do for our kids what they can do for themselves. DMS supports that theory with their teaching style. Since we’ve been there, we have been thoroughly loved and welcomed. The atmosphere is very much like a big family.
Another parent, Susan Brown, also says, “We chose Daggett because we knew Berk would be always be challenged in his schoolwork since he moves at his own pace. He picks up lessons quickly and loses interest when he’s mastered the work.”
What questions about Montessori education do you want to ask Kristi?
Kristi is a lifelong resident of Ft. Worth, married for nine years to her best friend and mother of two beautiful children, Wyatt (6) and Alyssa (3). She is a commissioned artist, teaches art lessons at her home, and co-founded a non-profit charity HMC Presents, hosting their inaugural “Jingle Bells for Cancer Cells” event this December.
Well said, Kristi! Ian has thrived at DMS too! As noted by his amazing teacher, Ms. Raymond, and his parents ;), I don’t think Ian would have managed as well at a traditional school. DMS gives him the freedom to pursue what interests him, work beyond his level, and grow socially.