Montessori Schools in West Seattle

[teacup]

Hi all,

I understand so far there are two Montessori schools in WS – WS Montessori and NW Montessori. WS Montessori is more of a distance for me (27 minutes) and NW Montessori is 6 minutes from me.

I plan to tour both schools but I was wondering if anyone on here could tell me their experiences of either schools? Any experiences with philosophies, issues, benefits, opportunities for improvement – anything.

Also, if your child went to a Montessori school, how old were they, what timing did they attend (times/dates) and what was your overall observation as to your child’s enrichment (if any?!)

Thanks in advance!

Share This

[MousePotato]

I do not know anything about NW Montessori but as a parent of a former student at WS Montessori I would recommend staying away from them. After their move to White Center they seem to be much more about quantity than quality. I understand that financially times are difficult but they used to have a much higher standard for the students that they would accept but now they seem to take any that apply. Couple that with the fact that they no longer pay to have full time assistants in all the classes and it becomes more about managing students than teaching them. They used to have a good balance of student per teacher but that no longer exists.

They have also lost one of their best teachers (middle school math) that used to achieve great progress with the students and they always placed well in state-wide math competitions. Also, the teachers that they do still have (for the upper grades) are less qualified than you would expect for the tuition you pay there. I believe they all have college degrees or education but few have any teaching degrees.

Maybe they are just going through a rough patch financially but they are no longer the school that they used to be and I would suggest staying away until they get their issues ironed out….

Share This

[teacup]

Thanks for the heads up! Very insightful!

Share This

[ceezee]

My child is attending NW Montessori (on 35th). He started when he was 2-1/2 and is completing his 3rd year there now. Next Fall he will be attending Kindergarten at a Seattle Public School. I have WONDERFUL reviews of this Montessori…the teachers (aka guides) are patient & very knowledgeable about Montessori ways. There are 16 children attending now and I can’t say enough good things. Call about visiting!

Share This

[wimsikl]

Wow,I have had a very different experience from Mousepotato. I currently have two children at West Seattle Montessori and i am both picky and pleased. There definitely is two full time teacher in each class of 20 students, and in addition, a variety of specialists, such as spanish, art, sign language, music, etc… so the ratio is more like 8:1. Yes, I hate how far it is; I am in the Lafayette school zone, but I can make it in 17 minutes and lots of neighbors go there so we carpool. A new prinicple took over 2 years ago and has made tremendously positive changes from what I hear. We are in our second year there and definitely plan on staying for elementary; possibly even through 8th grade. It makes me sad that you, teacup, may be missing out a a really wonderful school for your little one based on just one opinion.

Share This

[monchichi315]

I have two children (ages 4.5 and almost 6) that go to WS Montessori. It is our 2nd year there and our oldest will start 1st grade their this fall. We love this wonderful school. I completely disagree with Mouse Potato. I never felt that this school was about quantity. They are high quality and the families that choose to go there do so for a good reason.

Yes, it is a bit far but there is transportation service for an additional fee from the WS Stadium for families that need it. The new facility in White Center is actually great- big, bright, open classrooms, and a big playground. The enrichment programs are amazing-Spanish, sign language, art, and music. And oh yes, Farestart provides a hot lunch program 2 times a week.

So teacup, I would call and get a tour from the Director of Admission (she is wonderful) and come to your own conclusions.

Share This

[monami]

Completely different perspective than Mouse Potato. I have two kids currently enrolled in WSMS, one in kindergarten and the other in second grade. We couldn’t be happier with the quality of education that the school is providing and it’s certainly not “quantity over quality”.

We were at the school in the old location and it was cramped and hectic. The new school location is a much better fit for operating a school – bigger classrooms that are not hodge-podged together, a greenhouse on the roof, bigger playground, and right next door to a library. Each classroom has a teacher and a full time aide, and there are specialty classes in Spanish, music, and sign language. The Farestart hot lunch program is great too, and the kids get to have visits from the chefs to learn about nutrition. They have been very accommodating to meeting my children’s academic needs and open to working with us to provide the best education for each. And it’s far for us as well – we live on Beacon Hill!

I am with Monchichi315 – go to the school yourself, observe the classrooms, talk with the teachers, and talk with other parents.

Share This

[DasherDog]

As a parent with 2 children attending West Seattle Montessori’s upper school, West Seattle Academy, I couldn’t be more pleased. Both of my children have attended the school since kindergarten, for one, and first grade for the other. My oldest is about to graduate from the Academy and will continue onto one of Seattle’s top private high schools (Seattle Academy). Graduates from WSMS/WSA continue on to some of the top schools in the area (Lakeside, Seattle Academy, Seattle Prep, Holy Names, The Northwest School, the list goes on). These kids outshine other applicants from different schools and the personal attention received from the teachers and administration is outstanding. Furthermore, it is true that we lost a talented Math teacher; however, we have gained a new one who will guide students through the current middle school math program which, when completed at the end of 8th grade, will place graduating students into high school Geometry instead of the usual Freshman Algebra. In addition, the middle school has not just one outstanding teacher, but FOUR outstanding teachers. I challenge you to find a higher quality education, at all levels, at such an amazing value!

Share This

[Author]

Posts