North Shore Montessori - Input?

It is very difficult to find a 2 year old program for DS but it appears that North Shore Montessori has one. Before I set up an appt. to go see them, I was wondering if anyone has any feedback good/bad/indifferent about them. FM are always welcome. TIA

Also if any has any other suggestions, bring them! We are in Selden and DS has just been evaluated for a speech delay. It would appear that since he seems to learn through exploration, a montessori enviornment might be best for him right now.

Re: North Shore Montessori - Input?

We go there, here is a thread I started about it

http://www.lifamilies.com/chat/topic-561663-1.html

I like it a lot, but it is pretty expensive $650 a month for 845 to 1145.

I know a couple of ppl who chose Briarwood Montessori over that one, I think it might be a little less expensive.

What I like about it, but I got lucky I picked classes I liked, is that each class is completely individual. Meaning, that teacher has their own budget, teaching materials and way of teaching. I have 2 kids so I get to see how 2 different classes at the same age group work and it amazes me how different they are. I love montessori and try to keep a modified montessori home so this school was a perfect match for me. I didnt check out Briarwood so I cant compare.

What you might not like about it is that everyone there is from the three village area. There are one or two parents from Nesconset and a lot from Pt Jeff, but basically everyone is local. So once your son hits the 3-5 age group, he will, most likely be invited to play dates- which wont be that close to you and none of the children will be in your school district for when he goes to kindergarden. I didnt think this was all that important until now that my daughter is scared about going to public school and i keep telling her you'll know so and so. Plus with DHs crazy schedule its only me dropping off for playdates and scheduling both kids etc.

Its just something to think about wherever you go.


Forgot to mention- its a cooperative school which means you have to either pay $10 for every hour you dont volunteer or help out at the school for 20 hours. Its parent run with a board of directors.I dont think it really affects the school that i can tell, but I dont go to board meetings - they're at night and I'm not the type to get involved with that stuff.

Message edited 2/27/2011 6:57:46 AM.

Re: North Shore Montessori - Input?

My kids go to Briarwood Montessori - but they don't have a 2 year old program. I've heard great things about North Shore from parents, but not such great things from speech therapists and special educators (only for kids who are receiving services)
Check out PlayGroups in Setauket - they have a 2 year old program, but warning, they fill VERY quickly.