The Montessori Method, and its inherent respect for the individual child, is a system of education that I have experienced firsthand (having been instructed in a Montessori school myself through grade 7 at Tyee) and seen the benefit of in others (having watched my younger sister, Claire Honda, participate in the Casa program at Westside's Oak Street location). 
I would love for Sam to be able to have the opportunity to explore her areas of interest, and to learn to become self-directed and focused. I would love for her to gain skills in not only the academic aspects of education (reading, numbers and math, geography, etc.), but also in practical skills, taking responsibility for and pride in classroom order and cleanliness, and helping with necessary chores like laundry. I deeply value academic learning, and would love for Sam to learn as much as possible in all possible fields, but I also think that a child's early education is about far more than attempting to achieve externally-appointed academic milestones. My primary goals for Sam's early education are for her to gain a love of learning and comfort in a school setting, which is something the Montessori Method encourages. Other benefits of the Montessori Method that I value are having the opportunity to receive feedback from Sam's teachers in a holistic manner (through personalized written report cards vs. number/letter grades and standardized comments) about what and how she is learning, and the focus on connecting children with nature and the outdoors.