Western Pennsylvania Montessori School

We had two children attend WPMS-one from toddler through kindergarten, the other from toddler until right before kindergarten due to moving. I couldn't say enough positive things about the school, staff, and how our kids grew in the environment. Both children were reading prior to kindergarten and reading lengthy chapter books by the end, and at or above the level of understanding for mathematical concepts. They have a true love of learning due to the foundations WPMS gave them. Every day, they would come home from school chattering about the fun works they were exposed to. Aside from the academic learning principles, my children were taught the basics of conflict resolution and the importance of peace and are emotionally more well-rounded than had they entered a traditional pre-school environment. WPMS grew our love for the Montessori method so much that when we moved out of state, we specifically sought out a Montessori school that goes through middle school. We love WPMS and everything it did for our children while we were in Pittsburgh!

Both of my kids were at WPMS from the age of 20 months through the Kindergarten program. Not only were they *very* well-prepared academically for entering a public school upon graduation, but they were emotionally and socially prepared for being in a community of other students -- understanding how to manage and resolve conflicts, how to expect and give respect, and how to take responsibility for themselves and their actions. They were exposed to science, nature, research, along with math and reading. When I observed my son in class one day, I witnessed him, unprompted, take an apple from the fruit bowl, wash it, use a tool to create slices, plate them, and then go to his classmates to offer them a piece. As they were 'working', some said "thank you" and some said "no thank you". That stuck with me as the kind of autonomy the class had. ***** In response to a certain review here: It is disappointing (though not surprising) that when a parent puts all of her energy into ways to challenge school rules and teacher recommendations, instead of partnering with teachers and staff, that her child will in fact be affected by the very outcomes that the school warned against. For example, the students at WPMS don't bring their toys to school or wear costumes, not because the school is trying to limit personal expression, but rather they want a learning environment free of distraction. Apparently, hearing the consequences from someone who regularly disregarded these guidelines, it's a very good standard to set when it comes to the right environment for your child to learn and thrive.

We sent our three kids to WPMS and were thrilled with the love and attention our children received. Our kids were extremely well prepared for first grade, and I would recommend this school to everyone.

If you are looking for an outstanding school for a 20 month old - kindergartener. Look no further. WPMS is the best. I have a bachelors and masters degree in education, and ten years experience of teaching K-8th grade. I highly, highly recommend WPMS. The concrete education received is something that will always be referred to when building upon abstract concepts in elementary and high school. The character that my children developed, the social skills, and problem solving skills are nothing like I’ve seen before. The teachers and staff are phenomenal. My children were not only ready for first grade after graduating from WPMS, they thrived. They thrived in many areas including in the ability to independently evaluate and analyze questions and problems; something that we did not see any preschool in the area coming close to providing for our children.

One of the best choices we ever made was sending our child to this gem of a school from toddler to Kindergarten. WPMS is so much more than a daycare, it is a school that grows the whole child and prepares them for life. We are proud to say we have a WPMS Montessori kid. I can’t thank the teachers, staff, and head of school enough for the love they showed our child.

After spending tens of thousands of dollars for pre-school, I thought that my child would be ahead during Kindergarten. Instead, my child struggles with handwriting and mathematical concepts that should have been introduced and reinforced during the three years we spent at WPMS. The staff is so focused on eliminating anything "distracting" from the environment that they also eliminate joy from the most colorful of small children that attend, forcing them to conform into tiny expressionless husks of their former selves. They do not teach bodily consent or diversity; or follow Montessori principles of "following the child". Curiosity is tamped down in favor of strict regiments for an understaffed childcare facility that lacks enough caretakers, especially given the price of tuition while the Director pads her pockets and drives a Cadillac.

Wonderful school!