Mount Lebanon Montessori

Our child has attended the lower academy for over a year. It was a difficult transition from public school. Like several other reviewers, we did not thoroughly understand the Montessori principles that foster independence--such as mixed age classrooms where students help each other with projects, and teachers allowing children to struggle with projects instead of stepping in too soon. But now that we've seen our child's self esteem and confidence skyrocket, we understand, and are grateful that we found this exceptional school. Our child is learning at least 4 times more than in a Mt. Lebo elementary. Our only regret is that we didn't find this school sooner.
—Submitted by a parent

We enrolled our child in the 2's class, but then decided to our preschool after having negative experiences in the 3's class. While many of the teachers there seem to genuinely care about the students, the teacher that our child had was not one of them. When we discussed our concerns with the administration, we were essentially pushed aside. When we discussed potentially unenrolling our child, rather than showing concern, the administration asked us to let them know as soon as possible, so that they could fill the slot that our child was giving up. I was very disappointed. This school is run like a business and not a warm environment where we would want our children to go.
—Submitted by a parent

We have really enjoyed sending our son here (first year almost completed). He previously had a difficult time at age three of following instructions and sitting still and he has really gone through a huge transformation. You will not find another school that is introducing such amazing concepts and teaching things that kids in grade school are just learning. We are extremely impressed. The staff is top notch and the directors I'd follow anywhere.
—Submitted by a parent

As a teacher of 30 years I feel Mt. Lebanon Montessori School offers a stellar education. The staffs dedication to the Montessori Method and enthusiasm toward the child is to be commended. It is a joy to work with such a diverse and enthusiastic team!
—Submitted by a teacher

My two children have gone through the school and now attend their local elementary program. They were both well prepared and are doing excellent in the Mt. Lebanon school district. I credit Mt. Lebanon Montessori for their self discipline, and high academic standards. I recommend this school to all families of young children.
—Submitted by a parent

We found this school to cold and unwelcoming to parents. We removed our child from the 3-6 class after a number of incidents that occurred on the playground, which we felt were lacked supervision. When we brought this issue up to the administrative staff, they were defensive and refused to listen to our concerns. Ultimately, we enrolled our child in another pre-k program and had a much better experience....at a much lower cost, as well.
—Submitted by a parent

I just submitted this. Would you please use my previous one. I was doing this to verify the email address. Thank you.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the largest school in the area, with 180 students and 25 staff members. All classrooms are fully staffed. The school's mission is to provide preschool and elementary education using the Montessori method. Please visit the school website for more information.
—Submitted by a teacher

My last child graduated from 6th grade this past year, all of my children had a wonderful experience with this school. They are extremely successful in middle and high school, this is due to the top notch staff. I highly reccomend this school to anyone and everyone!
—Submitted by a parent

Maybe this school simply grew too fast, but we felt that there were too many students and too few teachers. It felt more like a daycare operation, than an environment suitable for developing your child's growth. We were disappointed, especially considering how expensive this school is.
—Submitted by a parent

Mt. Lebanon Montessori School is a great place for students to learn! Teachers are incredibly resourceful and willing to do anything to meet your child needs. The office staff is kind, professional, and they make sure the needs of students come first. I would recommend this school in a heartbeat!
—Submitted by a parent

This school was a true blessing for my son! While having problems with mathematics in the public school my husband and I investigated other options. We enrolled him in Mt. Lebanon Montessori's Elemetary and within one month saw a change and an understanding that had never been there. He is now successfully completeing tenth grade in a public school and his abilities, confidence and joy in learning are again intact.
—Submitted by a parent

We decided to send our child to a different school after the first year. We felt that the teachers simply didn't provide enough individual attention to students and were able to find another school that was a better fit.
—Submitted by a parent

My children entered Mt. Lebanon Montessori School mid-way through their elementary school years and found a welcoming and academically challenging environment. What I particularly appreciate about this school is the emphasis on self-discipline and self-motivation, time management, personal responsibility, and respect for self and others. I have witnessed how these traits have served my oldest well after leaving the school and entering a traditional middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been attending the school since preschool. I have two students in the academy and I would not have them any other place. The teachers, the education, and environment is a parents dream!
—Submitted by a parent

Mt. Lebanon Montessori School and Academy Head Teachers are all Montessori Certified. Half of the teaching staff have completed master's degrees. Each classroom is fully equipped with Montessori materials. The staff and administration are dedicated to the school's mission to educate children using the Montessori method.

We pulled our children out of this school after a year. We just didn't feel that this school offers a warm/caring environment for our children.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. All of my children have attended from the toddler program through the elementary. The school fosters independence and allows each child to develop at their own pace. The classrooms are beautifully prepared and the Montessori materials are plentiful. The foundation that my children received from this school has given them a strong academic start and a love of learning.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has a very high student to teacher ratio. They also tend to discourage parents from observing class rooms. They seem to rely on the 'Montessori' name brand more than anything. This school is also significantly more expensive than alternatives. We chose to send our children to another school after trying this school for 1 1/2 years and are glad that we made the switch.
—Submitted by a parent

We had a horrible experience with this school. The student to teacher ratio is extremely high and there is very little supervision when the children are free to roam the 'playground', which is essentially a parking lot. The administration also discourages parents from observing the children in class. When we expressed concern that our daughter wasn't receiving enough individual attention, we were brushed aside and told that it was our daughter's issue. The administration is extremely arogant and rides on the Montessori brand name.
—Submitted by a parent