Montessori, What's That?

"Montessori is a revolutionary method of observing and supporting the natural development of children. Montessori educational practice helps children develop creativity, problem solving, critical thinking and time-management skills, to contribute to society and the environment, and to become fulfilled persons in their particular time and place on Earth. The basis of Montessori practice in the classroom is mixed age group (3 ages - 6 ages in one class), individual choice of research and work, and uninterrupted concentration."- The International Montessori Index.

The previous quote is an explanation of the form of education known as the Montessori Method. For the preschool years, the Montessori Method is an alternative form of teaching when compared to the standard preschool education system. Montessori combines tactile,and hands on learning methods to benefit the child. Collaboration is strongly encouraged which is why classrooms are mixed-aged:  The idea is that the older children will teach the younger, as the younger children  look up and learn from the older kids. Another philosophy they have is, in the real world, children are not segregated by age, so why should they be in school?

I went to a Montessori School meeting this past weekend, and something that one of the speakers said struck me, she said, "After a child has been in a Montessori School, many of them do not thrive in public schools if they have to go back for some reason". The reason she said this was to make her point that in Montessori schools, kids are "NEVER" bored, and when they return to public school, they think to themselves "I'm being dumbed down." Okay, here are my issues with her statement.
1. Elementary, Middle, and High School Montessori Schools are not as prevalent as preschools.
2. $$$$$$$$$
3. Shouldn't the Montessori System teach children to be adaptable to all forms of learning(big question, I know)
4. What the heck goes on in Montessori Elementary, Middle, and High Schools? Are they ready for the SATs? Will they be "bored" in college, do they have P.E.etc. etc.

Question #4  is what I intend this blog to be about:  Finding out the curriculum of Montessori Schools in the later years and how they differ to other types of school.
Don't get me wrong, I love the Montessori way.  I have two kids; a 2 year old and an 8 year old. I plan on my 2 year old  going to a Montessori Preschool and my son going to the Montessori Charter school that is about to open up, tentatively in the fall. What worries me is, what happens when there is no Montessori Middle School and High School? Will they not thrive unless we move to a place that has a Montessori Middle School and High School? I am on my journey to finding out!