Brookeside Montessori School

When we were researching alternative school options for our daughter following a disappointing public school experience we spent endless hours touring and interviewing schools in our area. Montessori had been recommended to us based on our experiences/expectations set from our Pre-K & K program an by relatives in the field who witnessed our child's abilities. With this in mind we set out to find an accredited program in our area and came across Brookside Montessori. After our first visit we knew that this was the place for our daughter. During the school year our decision to enroll our daughter at Brookeside with further solidified based on her just lighting up again about learning. She went from a child who was beginning to dislike school (in a public setting) to loving every moment of being at school. The teachers are passionate and caring, dedicated to promoting a safe and enriching learning environment for every child. Our daughter walked away from her first year in Brookeside Elementary program feeling confident in her skills and abilities and having gained so much knowledge. She has talked all summer long about how excited she is to return, what her work plan will entail, and ready to jump right back in to learning. The administration, support staff members, and board are truly committed to true Montessori education for preschool-aged children through elementary, and this is evident in how the community operates always putting the well-being of the children and staff first. Parents are provided with clear communication of any changes that might occur within the Brookeside community and are always open and willing to discuss any questions or concerns at any time. Any time we had questions throughout the school year, and beyond about work plans, health and safety protocols, etc. the door was always open and concerns addressed first hand with teachers and administrators. We have never left a discussion feeling any less than satisfied knowing that children's best interests and learning was their first priority in every scenario and circumstance. We are starting this upcoming school year adding our second child to the school whom will be joining the primary program and looking forward to all the learning she will do and the love she will receive while at Brookeside. If you are looking for a primary program (preschool age) or an alternative to public school Elementary program look no further than this school. You will not be disappointed and will be so excited when you see how much your children will light up about learning.

Such a fantastic school. The teachers are so warm and caring, the learning environment so rich. Both of my daughters have thrived there since preschool and are currently in their elementary class. The teachers encourage them to be curious and inquisitive while at the same time seeking answers to their questions on their own. They can set their own pace in learning, which in turn enables them achieve independent initiative. This has been so beneficial to my children - not just at school, but at home as well. They have learned to set goals, prioritize tasks, and enjoy the satisfaction of finishing the job, whatever that may be. Another important aspect we love about the school is how they strive to be mindful of others in their community. In a world where things (especially right now) are so divisive, the school is involved in our community and encourages reaching out and being helpers all around you- making a difference! Being respectful of all the differences around you and striving to be inclusive are at the core of what they strive to instill. This is so important and I'm thankful for this mindset being fostered. We love that it's a small school and that they genuinely care about not just the students, but the whole family of the student. It's very easy to get involved and fall in love with the incredible staff and school. I highly recommend this school!

Brookeside provides a phenomenal individualized and caring education to every child who is lucky enough to walk through their doors. In the 20/21 school year, Brookeside was the only place I felt was safe for my kids. They implemented all CDC protocols and always put safety of the kids first, even if it was an overabundance of caution. As far as I know, they had 0 cases of covid among the students thanks to their rigorous policies, while still providing an amazing in-person experience. During their brief shut down, they continued learning online. My kids got way more out of that time than they had with our local public school. Yes, it is not cheap to send your kids there, but what you get in return is an absolute bargain. My kids are kinder, more worldy, and more resilient for being there. We love Brookeside and don't mind shouting it from the rooftops!

When our growing family moved to the area in 2016, we visited and researched many schooling options for our children. The product of both Montessori and local public education ourselves, we wanted to ensure our children were not lost in overcrowded classrooms and unreasonable student-to-teacher ratios.  Brookeside Montessori was personally recommended to us by neighbors and friends alike, and after our first visit we (and more importantly, our children) knew that this was the place for our family. Every teacher, administrative, and support staff member has always made themselves readily accessible to our family and willing to go the extra mile to enrich our children's lives. They are a non-profit organization committed to true Montessori education for preschool-aged children through elementary. Our kids absolutely love and respect their teachers and feel recognized and appreciated by them. Some teachers even mail out handwritten notes ahead of the school year to welcome our kids and help them feel like they belong before they even step foot in the classroom. We appreciate the leadership of the school as well as the Board throughout the pandemic, always putting the well-being of the children and staff first - again, one of the benefits of a more intimate environment: the ability to be agile in its response to the ever-changing landscape of an international crisis. We know that every family's circumstance is different, but we personally appreciated the fact that the school was understanding and willing to support a hybrid learning environment in uncertain times. Heading into the 2021-2022 school year, we also appreciate the decision of the school to require masks for all students and teachers, following the guidance of the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics - putting science, medicine, and data ahead of politics and government mandates. At every step of the way, well before the world seemingly turned upside-down, Brookeside Montessori has put our children's best interest first in every scenario and circumstance. If you're looking for passionate educators, caring individuals dedicated to lifelong learning, and a truly safe and happy environment for your kids - for us, that's Brookeside.

This school cares about one thing - money. They do not care about the health or well-being of the children under their care. During the lockdown parents were told to pay near-full price, despite the fact that the school was closed. Parents were told that if they did not pay, they would lose their place at the school. Then they shut down the entire school due to 1 student's parent getting sick; again we still had to pay. Most recently they say that young children will need to be masked to return to school, even though there is no mandate for this in the state of PA. Many parents have expressed concern about the negative effects of masking young children. The school's response was that it was not a topic they would allow the parents to have any input in, and that "The time of our administration and staff needs to be spent on more productive matters". I am not sure what they could possibly deem more important than the health of children...

Wow .This school is well known and has good activities.im from india i want to study here .When admission is open.and my name is radhika