Frequently Asked Questions

Montessori is unique in its core philosophy that recognizes every child’s innate potential and natural tendency toward learning.  Each child is met with respect in a space created to ensure individual comfort, success, and achievement. The Montessori environment engages a child’s interest through self-directed activity and the carefully guided support of trained Montessori teachers. As each child develops in independence and self-confidence, a love of learning naturally follows.

Montessori education emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Montessori students learn at their own individual pace and according to their interest, ability, and choices at a given time. Lessons are presented by teachers who are trained to observe the needs of individual students and the group as a whole.  Learning occurs through shared experiences and without competition.  In Montessori, a student’s creativity is ignited through self-discovery, which leads naturally to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning.

Our Toddler, Primary, and Elementary teachers are thoroughly trained in an integrated curriculum which includes, but is not limited to, elements of language, math, history, geography, the sciences, geometry, music, movement, and artistic expression.

• Beginning at the Toddler level, lessons emphasize basic skills of self care, independence, and healthy socialization.
• At the Primary level, lessons emphasize practical and social skills to build independence in care of self, awareness of the needs of others, and community. Academic subjects are introduced through manipulative materials which utilize all five senses and lay the foundation for abstract thinking.
• The Montessori Elementary curriculum expands this basic foundation of skills and knowledge to address broader philosophical questions and in-depth study of the origins of the universe, the nature of life, different cultures, and the fundamental needs of humans.

Mixed age groupings in every Montessori classroom create a community of varied skills and abilities which allows for healthy individual and social development, and dynamic learning amongst peers.  This approach affords us the ability to adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of each individual student. Each age brings a special dimension to our classrooms. The multi-age format allows older children, even those who are less outgoing, to naturally grow into leadership roles over time.

A consistent schedule and routine provide young children a sense of security and order which is key to a successful transition to school. A consistent schedule and school routine support your child’s development of self-confidence, socialization, concentration, and focus, and lifelong love of learning. We do offer a Monday through Thursday schedule for the Toddler level only, at our Lake Oswego campus.

Not in the traditional sense. The Primary program serves children ages 3 – 6+; the last year of the Primary class serves students of the same age as a traditional kindergarten class.

The Montessori Primary program serves children ages 3 – 6+ and includes the kindergarten year. Most children enter the Primary program at age 3 and spend a full three years (and occasionally 4 years) in the same classroom community.  The Montessori Primary curriculum provides a rich and diverse exposure to many areas of study, on a multiple year schedule that is customized to each child’s individual readiness and interest. Over several years, children receive lessons which build upon themselves, adding layers of understanding and deeply ingrained learning of concepts in math, language, science, geography, music, artistic expression and cultural studies. The mixed age grouping offers each child many benefits, including learning from and with peers who are both older and younger. New students join an established classroom community in which they have role models to look up to from the first day, and grow into their own leadership role as they age. The older children benefit from being leaders and mentors to the younger ones, and all of the children benefit from learning to live in community with others in a way that is collaborative, compassionate, and empathetic.  In this way, the full cycle Montessori experience naturally builds confidence, self-esteem, and uniquely prepares our students for success in school and in life.

Yes. Every year, we lose a few students unexpectedly, for example, when a family is moving away. Applications for new 5-year-old students are processed with special care and consideration for how that child would benefit from a Montessori experience, and generally includes current teacher recommendations and visitation to the child’s current school by a West Hills staff member. We do give enrollment preference to families who express interest in a multi-year Montessori experience.

The Toddler Community is limited to 12 students with three adults (a Montessori Guide and two assistants), while the average size of our Primary classes is 25 children with two adults (a Montessori Guide and one assistant). The Elementary class can vary in size, usually between 25 and 30 students with one Guide and one or two assistants. Each class also has access to additional staff support as needed.

The full benefit of a Montessori experience is gained over a full cycle in a mixed-age grouping, in which continuity and peer teaching is present. For the Toddler child, the full experience is what prepares them for a successful transition to the Primary class. Likewise, for the Primary child, the third year in a Montessori classroom is the culmination of all the previous years and offers essential preparation for a successful elementary school experience. Socially, when the child is among the oldest in their group (at any level) they become the role models for the class. In this leadership role, children gain confidence through using their skills, expertise, and knowledge, which prepare them for the next step in their educational experience, and for success in life.

 “Process-oriented” is a phrase used to describe learning that is derived from the child’s activity and repetition, and without concern for a specific outcome or product. As Montessori educators, we understand that a child must grasp first the concrete concept before they are able to make an abstraction. Therefore, the youngest members of our classroom communities will first experience their learning environment through concrete sensorial exploration, and only later, when they are ready, will they transfer this knowledge into a written form. By allowing a child’s naturally inquisitive mind to delve deep in its exploration using the senses, confidence and understanding of concepts can develop.

West Hills is a member of OFIS (Oregon Federation of Independent Schools) and Oregon Small Schools Association. We are a state recognized private school.

Every West Hills Toddler, Primary and Elementary Montessori teacher (Guide) holds a Bachelor’s Degree in addition to a Montessori teaching credential. All West Hills Guides are fully trained and certified through the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Many of our Guides also hold master’s degrees in education.

The Practical Life area of the Montessori classroom offers the child many ways to explore movement in the context of real-life activities. This unique aspect of our curriculum, which begins with the Toddlers, focuses on hands-on, repetitive activities such as washing and polishing, through which the child gains confidence and concentration while learning to manage her own needs and contribute to her community. This area is where we introduce the “work cycle” which leads to focused and self-directed activity, the ability to complete a task, and the inner satisfaction gained from a job well done. The practical life exercises easily draw children into this level of concentration through precise movements and specific purposes which capture and hold their interest. Likewise, many practical life lessons teach coordination of movement and prepare the child’s eye and hand for the left to right sequence necessary for later reading and writing. A child who has been able to develop this level of confidence and concentration will be able to move deeper into intellectual work as they move through the Montessori curriculum.

Children progress successfully through the Montessori curriculum, at every level, when lessons are presented at the right time. We want a new lesson to be challenging, but not frustrating for the child. Certain skills need to be in place for the child to be successful. It is the Guide’s responsibility, with a trained eye on the child’s interest and readiness, to determine when the time is right for a new lesson. Maria Montessori called this “following the child.” Within the Montessori curriculum, there is a progression which assumes the child’s relative mastery of one skill or concept through repetition, before moving on to the next.

According to State of Oregon Child Care Division guidelines, all children younger than age 5 who are enrolled in the 9am–3pm program will participate in the school nap period. A nap is not provided for children in the 9am–1pm classes. Primary children ages 5 and older attend the Extended Day (afternoon) in their classroom. Each nap room is staffed by at least two adults. For children who no longer sleep, a period of “rest” may be followed by quiet activities during the nap time.

 Artistic expression is viewed as an important means of personal expression in the Montessori program. We accept a child’s artwork as a part of their own developmental effort, where the process is always far more important than the product. Children are introduced to media and tools such as crayons, Cray-Pas, pastels, chalk, charcoal, paint and clay, sewing and embroidery, based upon their level of interest and readiness. These varied media help them discover unique qualities of color, line, form, and texture. Over time, they will master techniques that allow for greater personal, individual creative expression. Our school also participates in the “Arts in Education” program. Each spring we invite a local artist to work with each of our classrooms to create some unique art piece or experience. Residencies have included clay sculpture, collage, weaving, creative movement, musical and dramatic performances.

The Montessori curriculum includes a rich and engaging study of people and cultures by exploring geographic regions, history, music, artifacts, food, rituals, and celebrations. In addition, our curriculum includes the follow special enrichment offerings that may include:

• Spanish: Our approach integrates music, movement, counting and games to build basic Spanish vocabulary and confidence for children in Primary and Elementary. For those who would like additional instruction. 
• Music: Musical instruction including singing, rhythm, and movement, are the cornerstone of the curriculum in every Montessori classroom at each level. In Elementary, the children also explore music in a deeper way through weekly instruction with our Music Specialist, Kathryn Claire. At the elementary level, each spring culminates with a live musical performance. Note: due to COVID-19, and increased safety measures, the Spring Musical has been temporarily suspended. Once we are able to safely mix classroom cohorts we will revisit the reinstatement of this longstanding West Hills tradition. 
• Artists in Residence: Each spring we invite a local artist to work with each of our classrooms to create some unique art piece or experience. Residencies have included clay sculpture, creative movement, musical and dramatic performances.
• Music and Movement: Professional musician and beloved longtime staff member, Kathryn Claire, leads your child through a variety of music, movement and rhythm experiences. Grounded in frameworks of yoga, athletics, and dance, Music and Movement builds body awareness, confidence, and offers an opportunity for children to discover their own unique forms of self-expression. Music and Movement is offered to Toddlers and Primary-aged children.
• Drama: We offer after school Drama instruction with our resident actor, Liz Hayden, for children ages 4 and older at both campuses. Note: Due to COVID-19, and increased safety measures, our after school enrichment is temporarily suspended. Once we are able to safely mix classroom cohorts we will revisit the reinstatement of enrichment programs. 
• Additional Enrichment Program offerings at the Elementary level (Vermont Street Campus) vary from year to year, and may include activities such as Ukulele and Lego Engineering. Note: Due to COVID-19, and increased safety measures, our after school enrichment is temporarily suspended. Once we are able to safely mix classroom cohorts we will revisit the reinstatement of enrichment programs. 

The Before and After School Care program at West Hills provides plenty of time for free play, while allowing the children to continue to practice the Grace and Courtesy, practical life, art and expression lessons they have learned in their Montessori classrooms. We offer arts and crafts projects, creative play, and a snack every afternoon. Morning care for the Primary and Elementary opens at 7:15am and Aftercare closes at 6:00pm. Morning care for the Toddler program begins at 8:00am and aftercare closes at 4:30pm. Note: Due to COVID-19, and increased safety measures, our Before and After School Care programs are temporarily suspended. Once we are able to safely mix classroom cohorts we will revisit the reinstatement of Before and After School Care. 

Research studies confirm what Montessori parents and educators have known for decades: Montessori students are exceptionally well prepared socially, emotionally, and academically. In addition to scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori students are ranked above average on such criteria as executive function. A Montessori environment and approach supports children’s learning to follow directions, manage a schedule, turn in work on time, listen attentively, demonstrate responsibility, ask provocative questions, express enthusiasm for learning, and adapt to new situations. Read more on the News, Research and Articles page.

Montessori students are free to choose their own activities within clear limits. Children are guided by experienced Montessori teachers who assure that each child is given as much freedom as is appropriate for their level of maturity and independence. Individual and group lessons are planned according to each child’s interest and abilities. While no two children will have the same experience, every child who stays for the full cycle will experience the rich and diverse Montessori curriculum for that level.

Parents of children at all levels at West Hills Montessori School meet at least twice a year in conference with their child’s Guide to learn more about their school experience. Classroom Guides keep extensive records of lessons given and work practiced, and also offer the benefit of their individualized observations of the child’s experience in the classroom and in all areas of the Montessori curriculum.

Our Elementary Guides are well versed in how our rich Montessori lessons align with the Common Core State Standards. While monitoring progress, the children are included in the conversation, and may sometimes use the State Standards to direct their learning independently. Conversations about these expectations may inspire a child to pursue learning more about a particular area, knowing that other children across the state are also learning about the same topic. Most importantly, the Montessori approach uniquely prepares children to pursue their own path of learning in school, and to carry their passion forward in life. Read more here.

Whether transitioning out of Montessori after a full cycle in the Primary or after Elementary, the self-motivation, self-discipline, and love of learning which children take with them from this experience prepares them well for their next school environment. In research conducted [by Peter Hanson] on students transitioning from Montessori to public school, results indicated an overall smooth transition with Montessori students ranking highest in the areas of math, reading, and attitude (respect for others, independence and initiative, creativity, and enthusiasm for learning). The social cohesion of a Montessori classroom provides a strong base for integration into a new group and for establishing new friendships. To facilitate a smooth and successful transition, our Guides provide a detailed evaluation for each student graduating from our program, which highlights the child’s school experience, academic skills, and individual learning style. Perhaps the best testament to our student’s long term school success comes from teachers who receive students from our Montessori program. These teachers have described our Montessori graduates as dynamic, self-motivated, cooperative, pleasant children who are assets to their classroom communities.