Our gifted (IQ>140) daughter was in Montessori for 5 years (3
Primary and 2 Early El). The third year in Primary was
tedious for her - she had no mind-mates. First year of Early
El was just fabulous. She instantly clicked with the third
year kids because they were all at her level intellectually -
reading and writing plays and newspapers - it was just
great. She was less enthused the second year because all her
friends had "graduated" to Upper El, but she did manage to
make friends with some of the kids one year ahead of her (she
is VERY friendly). It was a good year, but I saw her more
involved with the guide than with the other students. She
referred to the kids in her class as "the children," not as
her "friends."
By the second half of that year, we knew a third year in
Early El was not going to be a good fit socially. Sure,
academically, she had all the freedom in the world and she
used it well. She is the poster child for Montessori
Education. But, she had no connection with the Early El age
group. She is young for her grade (summer birthday), and the
school was not comfortable moving her to Upper El at age 8.
So, with heavy hearts, we moved her to a private school and
placed her in 4th grade. It was a tough transition for the
first 2-3 months. She excels academically, even doing
5th/6th grade work in most subjects. And, the social fit has
been delightful - she is extremely well-liked and very
involved with her classmates.
We would much preferred to have stayed in Montessori, as the
method is so in tune with our thinking. The overall
philosophy and curriculum was superior in many ways and more
suited to our family. My daughter's private school teacher
has had to make many modifications this year to make it
work. But, overall, it's been a very successful year.
We did not even consider our public school. They could not
have met her needs socially or academically.
Just thought I'd share our experience.
On 4/28/08, MET wrote:
> My youngest daughter who has been educated by the
> Montessori method (currently lower el), successfully
> completed the gifted testing. Now, I need to decide which
> stream of education to place her. Please advise.
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