From daycare centre to Montessori school: your guide

Which school after daycare – an overview

### Pros

  1. The right school takes into account your child’s individual strengths and interests, which promotes their development and enjoyment of learning.
  2. A good school concept that suits the child can strengthen social skills and contribute to balanced social behaviour.
  3. Schools with different specialisations offer the opportunity to discover and promote special talents at an early stage.
  4. Open and transparent communication between teachers and parents creates trust and makes it easier to support the learning process.

### Cons

  1. The wrong choice of school can lead to demotivation and dissatisfaction in your child if he or she does not feel comfortable.
  2. Overcrowded classes or a lack of resources at some schools can make individual support more difficult.
  3. Schools with a high pressure to perform can lead to excessive demands and stress for your child.
  4. Insufficient leisure activities or extracurricular activities can limit the holistic development of your child.

The change from daycare centre to school is a big step. To find the right school for your child in Berlin, you should first consider which learning philosophy is important to you. Montessori schools in Berlin, for example, offer a very individualised approach. Visit different schools, talk to teachers, parents and educators to get a feel for the environment. Don’t forget to look at the childcare times and additional programmes on offer. The schools in Berlin are diverse – take the time to compare the individual profiles and specialisations. Ultimately, your gut feeling counts just as much as the facts.

Why is it important to choose the right school?

Choosing the right school is crucial because it has a significant influence on your child’s educational career and personal development. A school that suits your child’s needs and interests can foster their talents and inspire a love of learning. For example, many parents report positive Montessori primary school experiences, as this pedagogy emphasises independence and individualised learning. If you live in Berlin, you could look at a Montessori children’s home in Berlin, or consider public schools in general, such as the International Montessori School Berlin. Ultimately, it’s about finding a learning environment where your child is happy and can fulfil their potential.

Consideration of pedagogical approaches (e.g. Montessori)

If you are faced with the challenge of making a seamless transition from daycare to school for your child, choosing the right school plays a crucial role. One educational approach you could consider is Montessori education. Schools that work according to Montessori principles focus on independent learning in a prepared environment. Teachers with a special Montessori training accompany the children individually.

Montessori training teaches teachers to allow each child to learn at their own pace. Experiences with Montessori schools are often very positive as children learn to be self-directed and enjoy learning. Pay attention to the testimonials of other parents and the teachers at the Montessori school to get a feel for whether this pedagogy suits your child. A Montessori primary school could be an enriching experience for your child if they enjoy the freedom to discover their own ways of learning.

Attending information events and school tours

Moving from nursery to school is a big step. To find the right school for your child, it is worth attending information events and school tours. Montessori schools often offer such opportunities to present their pedagogy and educational concepts. At these events, you can experience first-hand how Montessori education is put into practice. Teachers and pupils will show you what everyday life is like in a Montessori school and you can ask your questions about Montessori further education and the special learning environment. Use this opportunity to talk to other parents and share their experiences with Montessori schools. International Montessori schools often have an even broader educational programme. Your visits will give you a feel for whether the atmosphere and teaching methods of the school in question suit your child.

Exchange with other parents and teachers

If you are about to switch your daycare children to school, you should definitely talk to other parents and teachers. Other families’ Montessori school experiences can be super helpful. Parents whose children already attend a Montessori school often have valuable insights into how Montessori education is implemented in everyday life. Talking to teachers who have completed Montessori training or further training can also give you a better understanding of the methods of Montessori education. Ask how the teachers integrate the Montessori principles into their lessons and how they promote the individual development of each child. Visit information events or open days to get a personal impression of the Montessori school. International Montessori schools may also be an option if you are considering a multilingual education for your child.

Checking the framework conditions (e.g. childcare times)

You are facing an important decision: the change from daycare centre to school. The choice is huge, especially in Berlin. Have you ever thought about a Montessori primary school in Berlin? These schools, such as the Maria Montessorie School, offer a learning-friendly environment that promotes your child’s independence. Montessori daycare centres in Berlin could also provide valuable insights. Find out more about private Montessori schools and check whether the school fees at a Montessori school are within your budget. Teachers at a Montessori school have completed special Montessori training, which is reflected in the quality of care. International Montessori schools also open doors to global curricula. Let yourself be inspired by the experiences of other parents and find the school that suits your child.

Assessment of your child’s individual needs and strengths

The change from nursery to school is a milestone – not only for your child, but also for you. Finding the right school can be challenging, but don’t worry, with a few tips it will work out. Attend open day events to get a first impression. Talk to other parents and teachers, they often provide valuable insights. Pay attention to the educational concept of the school and ask yourself whether it suits your child. Last but not least, consider the proximity to the school, as short distances make everyday life easier. Trust your intuition; you know your child best and will make the right decision. To find the right school, you should first consider your child’s individual needs and strengths. Is your child particularly creative or practical? Perhaps a Montessori school is a good choice – here the focus is on individual support. The costs for a Montessori school can vary, so it is worth making a careful comparison. The training of the teachers is also an important aspect, such as a special Montessori training programme in Berlin if you are based there. Ultimately, what counts is that your child feels comfortable and understood and can fully develop their abilities.

Enquire about additional offers and leisure activities

If you are looking for the right school for your child, look beyond the curriculum to additional programmes. Leisure activities such as sports, music or art promote talents and social skills. Ask about clubs and projects that might spark your child’s interest.

Montessori education in particular, such as at Maria Montessori Primary School, emphasises individual support. Teachers at a Montessori school are specially trained, for example through the Montessori training programme in Berlin, to cater for every child. Montessori school costs can vary, so it’s worth comparing.

Find out about other parents’ experiences with Montessori primary schools. Personal reports often give a good picture of how the school works on a day-to-day basis and whether it might suit your child.

Final decision: Gut feeling and impressions when visiting the school

To find the right school for your child, it is worth listening to your feelings and carefully reflecting on your impressions during school visits. For example, visit a Montessori school in Germany to get a feel for the atmosphere and pedagogy there. Montessori education in Berlin and other cities has a good reputation, and Maria Montessori schools emphasise individual support and independent learning. Ask about the costs of a Montessori school and consider whether the concept of an international school might suit your child. Trust your intuition when you get to know the different schools – you know your child best and will make the right decision.