Montgomery School

Montgomery School is second to none. A fantastic school that develops then whole child by embracing the world around them to inspire each child to learn and preparing them for a successful future. We have 3 children. Our oldest has been attending Montgomery for 6 years, our 2nd child for 2 years, and our 3rd will start next year. I am a product of 12 years in a private school starting in Chester Country with my last two years of high school on the main line. When we looked for a school for our children, my alma maters seemed to be obvious choice. However, Montgomery impressed us so much, that we are now sending all 3 of our children there for the entire curriculum. The teachers and staff are passionate about education and take personal interest in each child to ensure that they are growing and learning. The program at Montgomery is also very unique in that it is constantly embracing how the world changes and preparing students for the rapidly changing times ahead. I can not say enough great things about Montgomery. It may not be for everyone, but it is for families who want their children to be well rounded individuals prepared for success in academics, character, and life.
—Submitted by a parent

My child didn't enjoy kindergarten was too strict, Plus you pay so much money and they ask for donations like every month.
—Submitted by a parent

Our 2 daughters have completed their first year at the school and are headed back again, 1 in elementary and 1 in middle school. One of the concerns we had was making friends early. This was not a concern very long as they both were accepted and formed great friendships throughout the year. Not only were they being challenged academically but they got individual attention from their teachers when they needed it. We look forward to another year and most of all, so do they!
—Submitted by a parent

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

As a concerned parent of the Montgomery School Community I am dismayed by the the negative posting in July. My child has been at Montgomery for 7 years and I can attest that 1Star's review could not be further off the mark--as is plainly evident from the rest of the reviews posted on this fantastic school. The headmaster is very involved with each and every child who walks this campus. He addresses them by name, sits in their classrooms, mingles with them in the halls and celebrates their achievements in assemblies. The faculty are comprised of well-qualified, thoughtful and caring professionals who endeavor to nurture each child's individuality while fostering the tenets of the school: a commitment to equally developing their mind, body, character. In these fundamental underpinnings of each child's education, they are afforded the opportunity to use their ability to face successes and challenges--with strength of character. My parting thought is that 1Star could have surely benefitted from a school experience like Montgomery School offers, to learn to appropriately address challenges --with strength of character.
—Submitted by a parent

We have four in the lower school and the small class size, outstanding staff and character building environment have contributed to each child honing individual talents while developing impressive academic and social skills. Can't say enough positive things about this gem of a school!
—Submitted by a parent

This was one of the best decisions my husband and I ever made. Our two boys absolutely love it here and they are developing into well-rounded, strong, confident boys. We are impressed with their ability to speak in front of a room full of adults, as well as their peers. The small class sizes and nurturing, caring teachers, who KNOW your child is amazing. We consider this our best investment yet!
—Submitted by a parent

Worth every penny! Top-notch academics. Emphasis on community and character education. This is a wonderful private school in Chester Springs on a gorgeous campus. The school ends in 8th grade which was new to me at first, but as my kids progressed through I saw how much sense this makes. I love that the kids didn't have the pressures of high school students to distract them, and it gave them the opportunities to be leaders of the school and the top of the heap. The teachers here, and really everyone in the community, know every child...well. And that is the kind of educational environment that I wanted. They are really advanced in technology, and teach the kids how to use these tools responsibly. The school is just as focused on character education as academics, their theme is educating children in mind, body and character. With two kids going through the school, I was worried I wouldn't be able to afford it but the head master works with families to provide financial aid grants, this cut our tuition payments practically in half! Apparently lots of families get this aid, who knew?! Visit the school, and be prepared to fall in love with it!
—Submitted by a parent

In addition to receiving a challenging academic schedule, my child has also become a very socially aware person with great self-esteem. The curriculum is aggressive and has captured my daughter's interest and has fostered a love of learning. In addition, the Chapel program has been inspiring for both myself and my daughter. I would recommend the Montgomery School to all!
—Submitted by a parent

My daugher entered Montgomery School when it had a program for 3 year olds and is now in the fourth grade. The school has been amazing for her, and for us. She was a shy little girl when she started, but at Montgomery, every faculty member knows your child, their quirks and what makes them tick and helps them to develop into strong individuals. Through the amazing experiences afforded her year after year--shehas become a confident child, mature student, caring friend, empathetic mentor, and community volunteer! There is no better experience than Montgomery!
—Submitted by a parent

Mind, Body & Character are the areas of focus for this independent co-ed pre-k through 8th grade gem in beautiful Chester County, PA. My 2 children are blossoming academically, socially, and emotionally as they are nurtured by caring educators. The curriculum has evolved over the past few years into an integrated approach to learning. Good citizenship and community service are valued along with hands-on learning that inspires curiosity. And the class size is small! This lends itself to open communication between teachers and parents. I feel that my children are appropriately challenged academically and are given unique life experiences........my 2nd grader can confidentally speak in front of the 290+ student body. I recommend this school wholeheartedly.
—Submitted by a parent