Bella Signora: Maria Montessori!

I'm sure Maria Montessori had no idea how popular her educational methods would become. Parents the world over love her gentle approach which develops the whole child.

"Montessori classrooms provide a prepared environment where children are free to respond to their natural tendency to work. The children's innate passion for learning is encouraged by giving them opportunities to engage in spontaneous, purposeful activities with the guidance of a trained adult. Through their work, the children develop concentration and joyful self-discipline. Within a framework of order, the children progress at their own pace and rhythm, according to their individual capabilities." - The Association Montessori Internationale

But be warned: spaces in Montessori Schools are as scarce as hen's teeth. Register your child early.

One last word of caution: not all Montessori schools which claim to be Montessori schools actually are accredited by The American Montessori Association. Check first!

Are you considering sending your child to private school? Start with Choosing a School 101 and work out from there. You need to start right now to get your child admitted for fall 2007. It is probably too late to get her into a school for fall 2006.