If it were between a public school and a Montessori school, the choice would be fairly easy. Such is my distaste for public schools. I think though, what made

If it were between a public school and a Montessori school, the choice would be fairly easy. Such is my distaste for public schools. I think though, what made her such an effective educator wasn't her method. Teaching seems to be more of an art form than a science. There are certainly fundamental principles of education, just like in art. The art seems to be knowing when to use "one size fits all", and when to use "know the rules so you can break them". Edit: And ultimately, I think the largest factor overlooked is the presence of the parents in their children's education. A friend of mine is sending their kids to a Montessori school, and they're thriving there. But before that, he and his wife read and sang with their children every night. That does, in my mind, more than any other teacher could possibly do.