For parents
Montessori vs. daycare: what's the difference?
Both keep your child safe and cared for while you work. The real difference is what happens during the day. Here is how an authentic Montessori program compares to traditional daycare, for families in Weston and across MetroWest.
| Traditional daycare | Montessori at Beacon | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Supervision and care while parents work | Care plus a real, individualized learning curriculum |
| Environment | Toys and group activities, often by age room | A calm, prepared classroom with purposeful Montessori materials |
| Teachers | Caregivers, training varies | Trained Montessori guides in small groups |
| Ages & grouping | Single-age rooms | Mixed-age classrooms (15 months–3 and 3–6) where children mentor each other |
| Daily rhythm | Free play, snacks, naps | An uninterrupted work cycle: practical life, language, math, and outdoor time |
| What your child builds | Socialization and routine | Independence, focus, and real concentration |
A daycare alternative
Built for working families near Weston & MetroWest
A full Montessori day runs from 8:00 AM to 2:45 PM, with optional extended care until 5:00 PM. The hours work for parents in Weston, Wayland, Wellesley, Needham, and Waltham who need full-day coverage, with the difference that the day is spent on real Montessori work.
Toddler through kindergarten
One calm community as your child grows
Children begin in our Toddler program (15 months–3 years) and continue through Primary preschool and kindergarten (3–6 years). Instead of switching daycares as your child grows, they build years of independence, focus, and confidence in one place.
Parents ask
Montessori vs. daycare questions
Is Beacon a daycare?
Beacon is a Montessori school for children 15 months to 6 years. We cover the same full-day hours as a daycare, but the day is built around a real Montessori curriculum and trained guides, not babysitting.
Does Montessori cost more than daycare?
Montessori tuition is often comparable to quality daycare in MetroWest. You are paying for trained guides, authentic materials, and a prepared environment. We are happy to share current tuition and the options that fit your family.
Can Montessori work for full-time working parents?
Yes. Our full Montessori day runs 8:00 AM to 2:45 PM, with optional extended care until 5:00 PM, so Beacon works as a daycare alternative for working families near Weston, Wayland, Wellesley, Needham, and Waltham.
Is Montessori only for preschool?
No. We begin with a Toddler program (15 months–3 years) and continue through Primary preschool and kindergarten (3–6 years), so your child can grow with us through the early years.
See the difference in person
Tour our prepared classrooms, meet our guides, and picture your child's day at Beacon.