While factors like innate intelligence may play a role in school success, much of what impacts a child’s success in school is actually within the control of the parents. School success is not just a measure of intelligence, but also linked to how children feel about the school experience. Choosing the right preschool is critical to helping shape how students feel about school. Is the initial school experience a positive and rewarding one, or does the kid feel frustrated, isolated, and controlled in the school setting? Whichever feeling it is, that initial feeling will most likely be the one the child associated with school for the rest of his or her life.
At Alpine Montessori, one of our goals is to inspire a lifelong love of learning in our preschool-aged students. We believe in the Montessori approach to education, which is child-driven and allows students to explore their interests in a semi-structured environment where learning is naturally incorporated into all activities. We do not compare children with their peers, knowing that natural learning speeds vary tremendously in young learners. Instead, we allow children to determine their learning rates. While this is important for all kids, it is especially important for kids who face any learning challenges. We know that all children can learn and we emphasis the quality of education over the speed of knowledge acquisition. This lets our teachers take a whole-child approach to each student’s individual progress, and consider their physical, emotional, cognitive, and social abilities when helping guide learning expectations and experiences.
Is Montessori right for your child? The best way to answer that question is for you to visit a Montessori school. Our Andover, New Jersey area locations include schools in Milburn, Sparta, or Oak Ridge, and we are happy to schedule a visit at any of those locations.
