ScoopToo

Interview With a Parent Series No. 4

Posted on 26. Aug, 2009 by JM in Interview No. 4, Perspectives

Interview Series- No. 4

Parent: This Denver parent, who lives in Stapleton, switched her child from a Montessori Preschool to a Catholic School (PreK-8th grade) because of the instability of the school situation in Stapleton and it was less of a financial burden than other private schools in the area.

Q: Describe your transitional experience or scenario.

A: We switched from a non-profit Montessori school (6 weeks through Kindergarten) to a faith-based (Catholic) school.  Our child was at the Montessori school from the time he was 18 months old until age 4 ½.  He just started Pre-K at the Catholic school this week.

Q: What circumstances led to this decision?

A: We wanted to secure a spot in a private, yet affordable school because we live in Stapleton and also because DPS has not solved the capacity shortage projected for 2010 – when our son would need a spot in Kindergarten.  We toured many private schools last fall and we came to understand, that if we wanted our son to attend this Catholic school for his elementary education, we needed to try and get him in for Pre-K.  We did not realize this when we embarked on our 10-15 school tour, but are glad we started 2 years before he was set to go to Kindergarten.  Otherwise, we might have been stuck without a school that was a good fit for our son.  An added bonus is that his current school is half the cost of his previous school.

Q: How do the educational experiences at the schools differ?

A: Catholic Pre-K will be play-based with some reading, math and other curriculum (including religion). Montessori is pretty much the opposite. Our son did very well in a Montessori environment.  He gravitated toward the math “work” and didn’t engage much in the reading and letter work, though. At Catholic school, I think he will be forced to get a more rounded curriculum through group exercises, circle time, etc. It will be interesting to see how he adjusts.

Q: What advice can you give that will help others when going through a similar experience?

A: When thinking about making a change or approaching a time of transition, START THE PROCESS EARLY!  If we hadn’t started earlier than we anticipated, we would have likely missed our chance to secure a spot in this Catholic school.  While we are still considering enrolling our son in Bill Roberts, or possibly applying for a spot in Stanley British Primary for next year (2010/2011), it’s nice to know we are secured in his current school, which is top-notch, and more affordable than other private options.