Montgomery School

Amazing School. The school's emphasis on character education is the real deal. It's graduates go on to be leaders in many of the large Philadelphia area independent schools. In the last two years the school has produced the student body presidents of two large schools, the student body vice president of another, and the president of the 10th grade class at the largest independent school in the Philadelphia area. Wow!! My children are being well prepared to lead in Mind, Body, and Character.
--Submitted by a parent

Montgomery School is wonderful! My wife and I chose this school for our daughter when she was entering Kindergarten because we knew other families in the Montgomery School community and we were attracted to the personal attention that each child seemed to receive there. We love that Montgomery only goes through 8th grade because it makes sense for us that young children are not being educated in the same environment as high schoolers. The 8th graders at Montgomery are really impressive as leaders of the school! I have no idea who some of the previous posters were talking about when they described the Head of School and the Head of Lower School. You will not meet two more caring people than Kevin Conklin or Susan Marotta. From what I have seen, the seem to know each child at Montgomery (as well as their parents) quite well. I understand that Montgomery alums have gone on to The Hill School, Episcopal, Baldwin, Haverford, Shipley, Westtown and Agnes Irwin. I look forward to my daughter having such a wide range of high school choices and I am confident that Montgomery is preparing her well for that time.
--Submitted by a parent

we could not have been more disatisfied with this school. Our two daughters attended the lower school but we moved them in sixth grade to a more rigorous private school in the Phila area. the school DOES NOT have a good reputation ( according to many of the middle and high school guidance counselors).....if you dont mind paying top dollar for a glorified Goddard school...then go ahead, but if you want to build on a great school with a well respected education, then stay away. A lot of fluff and no substance. I heard it isnt doing well and may close.
--Submitted by a parent

The school has a nurturing environment focused on character building and individualized attention to each child. My child started in 3rd grade and has blossomed into a confident public speaker and young person. Prior to attending Montgomery my child was extremely shy and would not ask questions or speak to adults unless pressed. The quality of education is much higher, more diverse, and provides a much richer curriculum than public schools in the area. There is a high tuition price for this richness in curriculum. Montgomery has a rich arts program and lots of extracurricular choices. After reading the post from the former bitter student who struggled socially, I agree that such a small # of kids does not do justice to the "quirky" kid or the kid who does not fit within "the box." If your child struggles socially, a larger public school that has more support systems in place to address these issues would be better. The school would be wise to consider how it could serve this population. If it wasn't for this and the extremely high tuition ($21,500 for 11-12 elementary school!), we would give it 5 stars.
--Submitted by a parent

rinky dink school. Ntice most of comments are for pre school kids. Headmaster doesnt know the kids and doesnt want to. Lower school principal doesnt think tuition paying parents should give feedback. Overall, way too expensive for the quality offered. My kids were happy to leave. Gets very old for middle school kids. Definitely not worth it.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a grandparent of five Montgomery School children over the past 10 years. As I have visited the classrooms on Grandparents and Special Friends' Day, I have seen the wonderful interaction between the individual students and the teachers. One can observe the challenging topics and means of presentation. Add this to the general love of learning ambience and one has the perfect academic setting.

We have been in the Montgomery "family" now for 5 years, having started with our oldest in the Preschool program. Both of our girls (now a second grader and a Kindergartener) really feel like they are integral part of a school "family". Mr. Conklin is a strong leader with an open, caring, genuine style.The atmosphere at Montgomery encourages strong character, confidence, self-expression, and responsibility. Academically, Montgomery shines in nurturing any areas for growth, while challenging and developing our children's strong suits. Teachers set the bar high for their students in terms of expectations, but the small teacher-student ratio allows them to fully and personally know our children and maximize their potential. I can honestly say I have always felt Montgomery cares deeply for my children and their futures. Montgomery is a rare gem. We feel lucky sending our children there.
--Submitted by a parent

We love the school and so do our daughters. We have two girls, 4th grade and first grade and they don't want to miss a single day of school. We have loved all the teachers. Mr Conklin, the school Headmaster is very approachable, believes in open door communications, firm believer in diversity and knows all kids by their names. The small class size really helps the teachers to get to know all the kids and work one-one-one with them. We couldn't have asked for more.
--Submitted by a parent

The Montgomery School has truly been a treasure for our family. When we first took a look at Montgomery, we knew right away that this was the school for our child. We wanted a school that not only emphasized a strong academic program, but also a caring nuturing environment that deals with the whole child (mind, body and character). Our child is thriving, and as parents, we take responsibility to work with the school in a supportive environment to ensure our child's success. What I love most about the school is its emphasis on community development, and as parents, having a voice in the decisions that the school makes. For example, as a working parent, we needed an afterschool program because we do not get off work until school is over. As an involved parent, I expressed this need to the school and not only did they create an afterschool program, but also provides an outstanding enrichment program for our children to enhance their academic and recreational skills. Thank you Montgomery for being the kind of school that not only advertises its mission, but enacts it in every facet of the school's environment.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in her 7th year at Montgomery and we couldn't be happier. Great academics and they teach her how to be a poised, confident, caring person. The children are still taught good old-fashioned manners and how to serve others without being a doormat. If you want to see a comparison, watch a group of public school kids get off of a bus and then watch a bunch of Montgomery School kids get off a bus. You'll quickly decide which bus you'd want your kids on!
--Submitted by a parent