Thank you guys. Yes, the Montessori school goes through 6th grade, and then we'd have to find something else. That concerns me because it's not an ideal age to have to start over and try to fit into someplace new. The other school does go through 12th grade. It's just a very nontraditional environment and there is lots of independent learning, especially at the high school level. Some of the students do the online virtual public school, but they supplement with projects and have time to explore their personal interests. They all are quite advanced, and some are taking college level classes online.
I agree that we'd probably still get in the Montessori school next year even if we didn't make a decision now; that's a good point. The other school isn't pushing us to make a decision-they just need time to hire another teacher, so they need to know how many of us are committed to a new program for next year.
The Montessori school seems to be a good fit for our son, but they do have their own way of doing things and are not likely to alter that too much. They do have some flexibility, but they are committed to a strict Montessori approach. The other school would be more likely to tailor an education plan to my son specifically. The Montessori school seems very stable. The other school has been around for a while, but they haven't started a new elementary program since the current high school kids were that age. They've just worked with this small group of kids all the way through. I don't doubt their ability to provide a very good education. They're just not as structured and do not have specific systems in place. Each child's education is different, which I suppose is ideal for a gifted child. I guess I'm just so used to the traditional education model. While I know that's not a good fit for ds, it's hard to let go of that way of thinking. Montessori is a stretch as it is. All in all, it's good to have options. I just want to make the right decision. Thanks again for your replies.
