Steiner and Montessori education

Just wondering if anyone has sent their children to a Steiner or Montessori playgroup, kindergarten or school, and can share their experiences.

What do you think of the school & the education philosophy?

What's the main differences between it and mainstream (if you can compare)?

How has it/is it working out for your child socially, intellectually, creatively, etc?

Any other info you'd like to share.

I'm considering both for my children but would like to hear from other parents before I go down the pre-enrolment road.

TIA :)

My DD1 went to Montessori when she was 3 until she was 4 1/2. I love the Montessori philosophy and really wanted to start her education off there. I even contemplated moving across town to go to the Montessori school when we were in Brisbane.

When I read up on it initially, I like the idea of children chosing what they wanted to do, being taught a bit more responsibility in regards to food and clean up etc. I loved the way they encouraged children who wanted to write, to write all day... and if they wanted to juice oranges, they were encouraged to do so and then drink the juice (one orange a day :D).

BUT I was disappointed to see the playground attitudes weren't any different than other day cares.... There were the "cool" kids, and there was some bullying amongst girls who tried to manipulate the other girls... seriously! I was shocked and it affected DD1 greatly as she's a bit quirky and even if they weren't picking on her, but on another child she got upset by it.

She now goes to an independant school which has 20 students this year from Kindy to grade 6. She thrives there and its very nuturing. I just had to find the right thing for her.

Christy how do you go about finding independent schools?

there is a bb member who works for a Montessori school maybe she may see this thread.