I do think that ds would be able to start at the Montessori school even if we didn't register him early, but I could be wrong. They are pretty particular about a child being a goood fit for the school and vice versa. I'm not sure what they'd think if we pulled him and then wanted to come back.
As for the private school requiring the $400 deposit, I think it certainly reasonable and standard practice. The Montessori school only required a $75 fee. Dh didn't like that either! Ugh!
Yes, I have talked with some of the parents of the older kids, and they have been really happy with the school academically. But, we didn't discuss fees at all. After much discussion, I think what it boils down to is dh is reluctant to move ds yet again. For one, he pointed out that ds needs structure, and we're both not convinced he'd have a lot of that at the private school. Ds is a master manipulator when he wants to get out of doing work! Being such a new program, we wonder how long it will take to get good systems in place and establish that order.
Dh thinks that ds is saying he doesn't like school right now b/c he's not used to being challenged and having to work hard. Our son could use a lesson in sticking with a difficult task that takes some effort. Better to learn this lesson now than later.
When I talk to ds, his frustration with the school always winds back around to the difficulty with writing. If that's what it is, he'll get there eventually. I'm beginning to think it's more ds's poor work ethic (from never being challenged) than a poor school fit. At least, I'm really hoping and praying that's all it is! Only time will tell, but dh feels very strongly that ds needs to stay put. In a way I agree, but like I said before I'm a firm believer that sticking with poor decision, just because it's the path you chose is rarely a good idea. To quote Emerson, a foolish consistancy is the hobgoblin of little minds...
