Visit: We always believe that seeing our child-centered environments in person speaks volumes about our program. We would like to invite you to come in for a tour and observation. Schedule a Private Tour now.

Apply: Applications are accepted year-round. Click here to fill out the Enrollment Application

Interview: You will be contacted for an interview with a teacher.

Acceptance: Families will be notified of acceptance into the program.

Westshore Montessori School has enlisted the services of FACTS to assist the Financial Aid Committee in allocating need-based financial aid and scholarships to families of children enrolling in the Preprimary and All Day Community programs. This service is only available to families who have submitted an Application for Enrollment and have paid the application fee. FACTS does not decide whether financial assistance will be awarded or how much to give; rather FACTS provides an analysis service that includes recommendations of what a family should reasonably be expected to contribute towards tuition. All information from FACTS is kept confidential and results are reviewed only by the Financial Aid Committee to assist them in determining appropriate awards.

Please call the school office 440.899.7911 to request Student Aid. The office will provide you with a link to sign up for FACTS financial aid

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Westshore Montessori School (WMS) is committed to respecting all individuals. A strong school community formed by families with a diverse cultural heritage benefits us all. WMS admits students of any race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin to all privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. WMS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship or loan program, or other school-administered programs.

What is the difference between Montessori and Traditional education?
The Montessori approach to education has influenced countless families to raise children who are confident, caring and hungry to learn. Our approach differs from traditional education in a number of ways including:

What is the role of the Directress (Teacher)?
The role of the Directress is to facilitate the natural process of learning in every child. Children are naturally eager to learn. The Directress’ responsibility is to support each child and prepare the environment for the child to flourish. Montessori allows each child to be active owners of their own education.

What ages do you serve?
We serve children from ages 1.5 years to 12 years.

Do you offer before and after care?
We offer Before and After Care during the school year for students enrolled in our Primary program.

Must my child be potty trained to come to school?
Children in the Parent Toddler and Toddler programs need not be potty trained. However, to be enrolled in the Primary program, children must be potty trained and be able to use the bathroom independently before entry.

Can you explain the dress code?
We ask that children dress in clothing that is easy for them to put on and take off independently. Our parent handbook details specific guidelines regarding plain shirts (no logos, etc.), pants with elastic waistbands (buttons and zippers are OK, if the child can manage them independently). Tennis shoes without lights or platforms are preferred. The purpose of our dress code is to avoid unnecessary distractions from lessons, to minimize the number of “accidents” resulting from clothing that the child cannot manage independently and to make things easier for parents readying the child for school.

Do you offer a payment plan?
Yes. We have a tuition payment plan option administered by FACTS Tuition Management, which allows you to spread your payments over 10 months (from July through April) for a fee of $100.

Do you offer scholarships/financial aid?
We have a limited pool of scholarship funds available due to the generous support of The Cleveland Foundation’s Marie Richardson Memorial Fund.

Do you offer parent learning opportunities?
Parent education opportunities are provided throughout the year. Programming may focus on specific areas of the curriculum (such as Montessori Math and/or Language), specific age groups, celebrations and other topics. These learning sessions are typically offered in the evening and provide an opportunity for you to get to know other parents, teachers and administrators.

What opportunities are available for me to observe and/or interact with my child in the classroom?
Many opportunities to observe your child are available to all parents.

Classroom Observation
Classroom Celebrations
Parent Nights

Do you offer other social opportunities for parents/families?
We typically host a start of school and end of year picnic for families. Fundraising events also offer opportunity for social interaction, as does our annual meeting.

Is participation in fundraising required?
Participation in fundraisers is strongly encouraged but is not required. Like most independent schools Westshore Montessori runs solely on tuition, fees and proceeds from fundraising to run operating expenses. Nevertheless, an important ingredient in Westshore Montessori’s mission is to maintain tuition at a level that is affordable to a diverse population.