Montessori - the trials of a trial

My daughter is towards the end of a one month trial at a Montessori School.

When we first agreed to the trial, I thought that it was a perfect idea. Letting her try it out, before we committed. However, I didn't plan on her loving it there, making friends and feeling for the first time that she truly belonged.

With only 7 hours to go until the end of the trial, my little girl has left for school crying. She can't take the pressure anymore. She doesn't "want to be there all day to be told not to come back"  in her own words. Kids crack under pressure too, and today it was just too much.

Seeing her like this makes me feel sick. Guilty. Protective.

I want to go to wherever she is right now, bundle her into the car and take her home. Tell her it will be okay. Promise that she won't be going back to her old school where she was ridiculed for being different. I want to give her a straight answer. I want her to know that she tried as hard as she could.

I love the Montessori philosophy. But I can't help thinking that putting us in this position really has gone a little bit against what I believed was the whole point of why we sent our daughter there. To build her confidence, self esteem and to help her to learn in a stress free environment.

My advice - Think long and hard before agreeing to a trial. As much as you want your child to attend a Montessori school. think about the pressure that your child will be under, and whether that is worth it.

We find out at 3pm whether she will be a Montessorian. I will keep you posted.

Please feel free to offer advice. I need it.