My son attended montessori from 3to 5 years old.
He had a hard time transitioning to a traditional first grade by not able to sit in his seat and had trouble not speaking out in class. He has since grown up and he learned multitasking and organisational skills that helped him his whole life. He is now at George Mason University on a full scholarship for is doctorate degree. . . well worth the early years of montessori.
Thank you Rose Avent "Montessori teacher of the year"

I have girlfriend with a daughter a year older than mine who went the Montessori route. When I was trying to make the decision on whether traditional or Montessori would be best, she told me they love Montessori, but you have to be willing to use the method at home in order to get the most out of it.

Another acquaintance with an older child had just pulled him out of Montessori (for financial reasons) and said the boy was really struggling in public school because he didn't understand that there was a specific due date for assignments. He was used to moving at his own pace- quickly in subjects that came easily to him and slower in subjects that did not.

We decided to go the traditional route with my daughter. She has excelled academically in preschool while my friend's Montessori child is academically average at best. When talking to my friend this weekend, I was shocked to hear her say her five year old was chopping veggies for dinner. I can't imagine arming my daughter with a knife big enough to chop anything! Since this little girl has been helping to prepare lunch at Montessori since she was two, chopping vegetables was very natural to the family.

Traditional and Montessori methods vary greatly. It would be very helpful to visit both schools and consider which will fit into your family before making the decision. Even if you cannot tour the two schools in the area you will be moving to, you might try scheduling a phone interview to learn about their methods and expectations. Good luck in your decision!

Thanks for your reply. I am actually moving to Reston and have shortlisted two schools, Sunset Hills Montessori and Sunrise Valley Elementary. I can reach Reston only after the second week of Sep. So I am not sure if I'll be late to enroll that time.I'll try to find out if I have such an option.So if anyone has any suggestions in the meantime , that would be really appreciated. Thanks

Every child is different, just as no two schools, be they two Montessori, or two traditional public schools, or other private schools, are the same. Have you toured the various schools you're considering? Many allow kids to do a "shadow visit" where they can participate in a day's activities, and then you can get a better idea of which might be better for your child.