18 months of age
Preschool
Preschoolers pair play with learning at activities guided by teachers who have run these rooms for years.
Explore PreschoolWest Chester Montessori, from 18 months to 6 years.
Over 12 years guiding children toward independence and a love of learning.
THE LITTLE DETAILSAges
18 months old until 6 years
HoursMon – Fri: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
A room for every age
Children move up room by room as they grow, each space built for the age it holds.
3 years old as of September 1st of the Academic year they are joining
Primary (3 Years Through Kindergarten)
Primary children choose work, return it, and repeat it at their own pace among mixed ages.
Explore Primary (3 Years Through Kindergarten)Before & After School
Before and after school, children arrive to a homelike room to ease into the day or unwind.
Explore Before & After SchoolSummer Camp
Summer Camp runs nine weeks, June through August, mixing outdoor time, projects, and play.
Explore Summer CampHow we see children
Montessori education at an early age gives children room to develop their intellectual, physical, social and emotional potential. Our experienced and qualified teachers encourage and guide children toward independence and a love of learning. Children from 18 months to 6 years learn in full or half days, part-time or year-round, with before and after care and a summer camp. The classrooms are in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Rooms are set up so a child can choose work and finish it without interruption. Shelves hold materials arranged by difficulty, and children return each piece before taking the next. Teachers observe before they step in, so a child learns to solve the problem at hand. The day has long stretches for concentration and quieter spells for rest, meals, and time outdoors.
A visitor notices children moving through the room on their own purpose, and teachers sitting low, at a child's eye level. Voices stay quiet enough that a child can hear their own thinking. Lunch and outdoor time come at the same hour each day, so children know what follows what. Families can call to schedule a visit and see it firsthand.
What a day looks like
The morning begins before most children arrive, with teachers setting out materials and checking the room. Children come in from seven-thirty onward, hang up their bags, and find their first work. A teacher greets each family at the door, so the handoff is short and calm. Criers are held, not hurried.
Mid-morning brings a long work period, when children choose activities and teachers give lessons to small groups. Then coats go on for outdoor time, weather permitting. Lunch is eaten together, family style. Afterward come mats or cots for rest, then quiet work for children who no longer sleep. The room stays soft and dimmed for the ones who do.
The late afternoon is easier: puzzles, drawing, songs, and time to play until a parent arrives. Children put away what they used and gather their things. A teacher tells you one true thing about the day, not a summary. Some families ask how nap went, or whether a child tried something new.
How we work with families
At pickup, teachers share what they saw, not a script. A child stacked six blocks, or helped a friend tie an apron. If you have a question about biting, sleep, or a new baby at home, ask the teacher at the door or by phone. Teachers keep notes and can tell you what happened across the day.
The first weeks are eased with shorter days and a familiar object from home in your child's cubby. A teacher stays close by for the first days, then steps back as your child finds work. You can call at any point to hear how things are going. If your child is not yet three or not fully toilet-trained, ask what program fits.
How to join
01
Get in touch
Call (484) 268-1852 and tell us your child's age and the days you need. We will talk through what a typical week looks like and answer any questions before you come in.
02
Tour the room
See the classroom your child would join and meet the teachers who run it. You can watch how the room is set up and ask how the day is paced.
03
Enroll and settle in
Complete enrollment and plan a first week that suits your child's routine. We will agree on a gentle start and check in with you as the days go on.
Good questions to ask first
What are the hours?
Mon – Fri: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM.
What ages do you take?
Children from 18 months old until 6 years.
Can we visit before deciding?
Yes. A tour is how most families decide, and children are welcome to come along.
What should my child bring on the first day?
Pack a full change of clothes in a labelled bag, including socks and underwear. A comfort item from home helps at rest time. Label everything, including the bag and water bottle, so it all goes home with the right child.
Do you offer part-time or flexible schedules?
Schedules depend on your child's age group and what openings we have, so ask us what is available for your dates. We will tell you exactly which days are open before you enroll.
What if there is no place right now?
If your preferred days are full, you can ask us to call you when a place opens for your child's age. We cannot promise a date, but we will keep your details on file.