Pines Montessori School

This school is a gem in the heart of Kingwood! The teachers from Preschool through to Middle School are fabulous. They show such care and concern for each of the children, and show a hunger and excitement for their learning.
--Submitted by a parent

We currently have 2 children in the school and in the past years, the school was quite educational and the teachers (certified) did an excellent job. This past year several changes have occurred which have resulted in excellent certified teachers being relieved of duty and teachers/subs with longevitiy with the school being let go. Changes are in the wind and they do not seem to be for the better.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a school that is getting better all the time. The Administration has stepped up and really taken control - eliminating many of the politics and insider jostling that takes place at small private schools. Other great changes: - addition of new activities and teams - addition of a highly qualified and excellent lower elementary teacher - improvements to materials and facilities - better financial controls - better integration of the PCO (equivalent to the parent-teacher organization) - addition of middle school classes.
--Submitted by a parent

As parents of two children who attend Pines, we have been delighted with both the environment of the school - which is nurturing, peaceful, and loving - and the quality of the teachers, which continues to exceed our expectations. We had originally planned to place only our pre-schooler in the school and to put out elementary aged child in the public schools. After visiting the school and interviewing the teachers, we felt it would be unfair to give our youngest such an extraordinary experience and not offer it to our oldest as well. We have not been disappointed. Both children are thriving. We will keep them there as long as we can - we just hope the middle school takes off!
--Submitted by a parent

Pines Montessori is a wonderful school. While it has gone through its challenges in the past couple of years the new director of the school, is montessori trained, and has required all of the teachers to be certified. It is a authentic montessori school and first rate in kingwood. None better.
--Submitted by a parent

Our 4 year old has been at Pines for 2 years now. He is well adjusted emotionally, works well with others, his knoweldge is well beyond his years and he loves school. I contribute this to his teachers and the new adminstration which is fully focused on quality of education and quality of community based on the montessori method.
--Submitted by a parent

My 3 1/2 year old daughter loves the Pines - she feels totally at ease there, and has developed a lovely, spunky spirit that is delightful to see. She will begin her third year there this fall - she just completed her first year in the Primary Community. I am most impressed by the commitment to the Montessori method, the focus on teacher and parent education, and the encouragement to forge relationships among parents, teachers, students and board members. The new Head of School is an experienced Montessorian, with a masters degree in early childhood and many years of experience in administration and teacher training. Many of the teachers have bachelors and masters degrees in addition to Montessori certification, and parents are very involved in the school. I served as the president of the Pines Community Organization this past year 2006-07. This is a beautiful, special place.
--Submitted by Kathleen Goerner, a parent

My child has flourished at Pines. Her teachers have always been professional and helpful. I think the Pines does a great job teaching and using Montessori methods. I have learned more about Montessori as an activity member of the community. I will send my next child to the Pines.
--Submitted by a parent

Our son has attended Pines for almost 2 years now, and he started in the toddler community when he was 18 months old. He is an incredibly happy, well-behaved, and inquisitive 3 year old, with very strong verbal skills. I give all the credit to his excellent teachers and their use of Montessori methods and a well-prepared classroom environment to expand our child's horizons. One of the most amazing things about this school is the staff's desire to educate parents about incorporating Montessori concepts in the home. My approach to parenting has changed in many respects, all to our family's benefit. Although we never thought we would consider private school in Kingwood beyond pre-school, my husband and I are now committed to Pines for our children's education through elementary school.
--Submitted by a parent

We had our daughter there for two sessions when she was 3 yrs old. We pulled her out. Too much chaos and teachers prefer kids who 'fit' the Montessori style. Not sure it's Pines, but the unstructured environment was too loose, unfocused for a preschooler and just a bad fit for our scheduled and structured household. She'd come home rattled after her day there. We moved her to a traditional preschool classroom and she flourished. Some aspects of Montessori concepts are good to incorporate, but not for total curriculum. We are glad we pulled out early!
--Submitted by a parent