When choosing a Montessori school that's right for your child, be prepared to do your homework. After all, no two schools are exactly alike, regardless of whether they use a Montessori or more traditional approach to education. While most Montessori schools adhere to the same general educational philosophy, some schools apply the Montessori principles more extensively than others. With this knowledge in mind, what exactly should you look for in an ideal Montessori school? Consider the following five characteristics: Professional affiliations. Montessori schools have the option of being affiliated with or accredited by certain national and international Montessori organizations. What organizations should you look for? The most common include the American Montessori Society (AMS), Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), and the International Montessori Council (IMC). Remember: Being affiliated with or accredited by one of these organizations isn't mandatory. However, schools that are affiliated with the AMS, for example, demonstrate a certain standard...

Your child went to a Montessori preschool. They attended a Montessori school for kindergarten. Unfortunately, your time with a quality Montessori education is running out. As a parent who is genuinely hopeful that your child will continue to love learning, approach learning challenges independently, and be able to learn at their own pace throughout their educational career, you can't help but wonder how you're going to take that Montessori style into their later years at school. Keep your child in their current school. Many Montessori kindergartens are linked to other schools, from private schools that take them through their elementary school years to other institutions. If you want to continue your child's Montessori education or maintain their current philosophy of education for as long as possible, the best way to do it is to keep them in their current school. Those schools are designed with a Montessori philosophy at the forefront and will help...