Can you try the Montessori Program for a week "just to see?"
I wouldn't worry that by "emphasising" the academic that you will be shortchanging the social. Remember you are not "accelerating" him, you are giving him material at a rate that is normal for him. Does that make sense? Most kids are able to learn academic stuff at a rate that is appropriate for them and still have plenty of interest and energy left over for the social. Just because your child would be doing things that would exhaust other children doesn't mean that he would be exhausting himself. More likely he would have MorE energy for play if he is getting his intellectual needs met.
I really like multiage classrooms for these young ones. I think it gives them a chance to 'be themselves.'
Think about the word "grade" - it's meaning are about grade in school and also "quality" as in Grade A, farm fresh eggs. The sad thing about single age classrooms is that the children get "branded" by their age. That sure doesn't work for my kid.
Having said all that, the individual classroom teacher makes a big difference. Questions like - how do you feel about having a child in your room who is reading when the other students aren't? Do you feel that some books are "too old" for young students who are precosious readers and should be discouraged?
Are children allowed to follow their interests even if they are not old enough so that that interest is developmentally appropriate.
You will be amazed at the kinds of responces you get to these questions! And informed. There is an idea out there that all children develop at a similar rate, and the they can be damaged by following their own interests! ((shocked look))
I do believe that there is such a thin as fearful parents who pust their child - can the personel at either school be depended upon to be able to tell the difference between you and those other parents?
Best Wishes,
I have faith that you will find something that will work!
Trinity
