Research West Seattle Montessori private Schools in Seattle, Washington

“My son started here mid-way through the school year and he couldn't be happier. He started there one morning in April and it was as if he had always been there. The school is academically strong and has a great feeling of community. The education and development of each child is paramount and the staff really bring out the best in each child, challenging and engaging with them. Every morning my son is thrilled to go to school and all summer he has been asking when he gets to go back. He is always accepted for who he is and is growing into a fantastic young man.”

“This is an amazing school. My son is in his third year, and we have zero regrets for sending him here. We plan to send him here all the way to 8th grade!”

“Great, affordable private school. For less cost than other private schools, WSMS delivers a solid core education and offers a great environment for children to earn confidence and develop leadership skills. My two kids are in the elementary and middle school. I have been amazed how each teacher over the years manages to bring out the best in them. While the preschool is popular and offers a decent Montessori start, many parents move their kids to public schools after kindergarden. Too bad - I find the 1-8 grade education a good value, if you can live without extras like brick buildings and super sports programs. Kids who switch schools tend to repeat work they mastered at WSMS earlier. The middle school is a small but rich learning environment, with a highly regarded math program and a sense of camaraderie that helps keep kids in line during these sticky years.”

“I am the parent of two WSMS students - a boy in 2nd grade and a girl in 5th. They have attended WSMS since they were both 3 years old. The best part of this school is that it feels like a community, where children learn self-respect as well as appropriate behavior towards others. The Montessori methods build on children's natural tendency towards wonder and learning, and cultivate self-discipline and direction. My children have very different learning styles yet both have done well and are very happy at this school. They wish there was a Montessori High School!”

“This school is the most loving/caring marvelous place of learning and growing. Thank goodness for West Seattle Montessori School. The teachers really care and shape the childs learning around their individual needs. The child learns at his/her own pace and can go ahead and learn as much as he/she is able. Lot's of individual lessons. Math is taught like it is fun with beautiful materials being used to help make it all interesting. The teachers really listen to the child and parents and children feel like they are part of a family. Magnificent music and drama program. Small class size with a teacher and an assistant at all times. Great after school care program. I can't say enough, this school is unique and very special.”

“Impressions from parents of prospective preschooler. The school seemed cold and rigid. Even as adults observing in a classroom we felt uncomfortable. The children were very well behaved but lacked the spark that children should have. The teacher spent the entire time with one child. Others were left to independently do whatever activity they wanted but just sat in their chairs doing nothing. No activities seemed to be planned for them, almost as if the teacher was content with them just sitting there quietly. Frankly, the children almost seemed ignored. The teachers did not address us in any way, not even with a 'good morning'. We were never asked if we had any questions, it was as if we were not even there. A real take it or leave it attitude. No nurturing, no joy, too cold and arrogant. No thanks. Would recommend if your child is a robot.”

“My children have attended this school since pre-school and have done very well. We moved my older son to a public school for Kindergarted through 1/2 of 2nd grade. Halfway through the year we moved him back. The difference was astounding! He went from a 'behavior plan' and 'maybe he has ADD' to doing quite well academically and 'what a pleasure to have him in class.' We are definite believers in the Montessori curriculum and this school.”

“My son has been at WS Montessori since he was 4. I cherished their emphasis on love of learning, the arts, and basic skills through the 5th grade. As a result, my son has blossomed into a confident young man. But the lengthy amount of time spent on the drama program for middle schoolers has seriously detracted from my son's need for academics at a critical juncture in his education. He has had excellent instructors; they have been responsive and hardworking. However, I totally agree with one respondent that this is 'a great school for a motivated child.' My concern is what happens when the child is not so motivated or skilled? Montessori does not have adequate support for kids who fall into this category, as my son does. Otherwise, my son and I have both loved it.”

“A terrific school for a kid who is self motivated. The classes are small and nuturing.”

“My children have been attending West Seattle Montessori for 6 years and we are extremely pleased with our experience. From a wonderful preschool/kindergarten program to an excellent lower and upper elementary program, my children are confident, well educated and thrilled to go to school every day. This school is great!”

“From my vantage point as a grandparent, WSMS is a wonderful place: warm, welcoming, peaceful, interesting, and nurturing. Montessori children not only learn how to learn, but they also learn how to live. My grandchildren have blossomed because of WSMS and its excellent staff and program. I recommend that you visit this hidden gem of West Seattle.”

“Our child attended this school for three years. Its preschool-kindergarten program was excellent. Its lower elementary program did not serve our child's needs. Despite the potential of the multi-age classroom, school administrators and teachers refused to allow our child to work at an appropriate level, and were overly punitive regarding normal child behavior and negative in their attitudes toward it. I would recommend this school ONLY for the very young child, and even then, with some hesitation.”

“Visit our website at: www.westseattlemontessori.com. Talk with us at (206)935-0427. Visit us at 4536 38th Ave.S.W. For security, observations are by appointment only.”

“Many parents love this school and likely will disagree, however our experience was not good. This is not the place for any child with needs that don't fall in line with this schools rigid rules, rituals and schedules. We pulled child out 1/2 way through kindergarten and it took nearly a year to regain the self esteem and confidence needed to effectively learn in a school environment again. It was a demoralizing experience which resulted in having to repeat kindergarten. Teachers and office staff were unwilling to accomodate minor special needs of child (i.e. a place to nap when tired, an afternoon snack when energy low) without stigmatizing child, separating child from peers and being argumentative with parents. Director seems disconnected and disinterested in communicating with parents. Recommend a lengthy classroom observation during all times of the school day prior to committing to WSM.”