Reviews of Westside Montessori School (Kindergarten)

R. Lee

Westside Montessori School is unmatched in all aspects. The quality of the classroom space and the learning materials are unlike any other. I went to a dozen school tours and open houses and this one completely stood out. The highly qualified and caring staff is at all levels from administration, teachers, specialty and support staff. The report cards are beautiful and so detailed. They take the time to know the children and communicate to parents their progress and goals with ideas on how we can support too. If you are looking for a genuine Montessori program in Vancouver this is bar none the ideal choice.

Chris Hill

My daughter is finishing her first year of pre school here and she's really blossomed over the year. The teachers are lovely and the classroom is well organised with great activities to engage the children. Her classmates are great kids and I've made friends with the parents. Top notch!

hannah beckingham

I've been absolutely amazed by the heart, kindness, and generous humanity of the staff at this school.

Sarah

Best Montessori School. There isn’t anywhere else like Westside. Their irrefutable position in the community and the incredible education and care they provide is unlike any other. Their longstanding teachers are the heart and soul of this very special place. We are very fortunate to have given our children the beginning of their educational steps here.

Victoria Wedgbury

A dream come true for my professional career and the education of my children.

Kelly agnes Ho

WMS not just offers the best program for children to learn, it also provides a warm and welcoming environment for children to grow!

Amanda Arneill

No school has a more dedicated staff, a more well-planned curriculum or a better experience for each and every child. Children come out of the school interested in the world around them, already demonstrating socially responsible behaviour and ready to dive headfirst into their elementary experiences with a strong foundation in general knowledge, math, reading and writing. There is no other school like this one!

Stanley Monahan

Beautiful school, amazing teachers! Highly recommend Westside Montessori School, best in Vancouver. Bettina is the best!

Bill Smith

Nothing else like it. This is an amazing school with the best people. The level of organization is unsurpassed. There is a high level of care and attention to every detail. We love the classrooms and outdoor spaces. We have made great friends with other families over the years. I feel lucky to be a part of this community.

C Y

My two children graduated from Westside in 2012 and 2014. They are now both teenagers. At their Kindergarten graduation they received the most thoughtful gift of a personal photo book of their 3 years there. These books are still on our living room coffee table. They are keepsakes of my kids’ time at Westside. We remain connected to the school and their longstanding teachers who we love and respect. My eldest goes back in the summer to volunteer at Camp. My youngest can’t wait to join her. An awesome opportunity for Montessori alumni. Whenever we go back there it feels like a home away from home.

Puneet Grewal

The teachers genuinely care about their students and have a deep passion to teach, inspire and grow each student.

Melissa Carter

This school is the best place for my child to attend during her ever-important formative years. That it’s in a converted house is the perfect segway for her first experience away from home. It’s her first home away from home. The website is highly informative. It was at the Open House where I got to meet the teachers (who are all AMAZING) and see the classrooms. From the pet chinchillas, to seeing such young children bake bread to the general happy buzz of activity - I knew that this is where I wanted my daughter. We didn’t get in during the first round as spaces are limited and it’s a lottery. We were offered a space in June and it was worth the wait! From the awesome summer camps to the home visit and everyday after - it was the best decision we made for our girl. She is now in her third and Kindergarten year. Her growth is incredible. We see it in small and big ways. We highly value the authentic, full three year Montessori program. We are also excited to be able to continue on with WMS as they have just expanded into elementary. Lucky us!

olan s

The amazing staff at the Oak Street location are full of energy and are so kind and welcoming to all. Everything in the classroom is carefully placed and crafted to meet children's needs. I really appreciate how they introduce public speaking and practical life skills early on. The indoor and outdoor space is perfect. The Montessori way has changed my life as a future educator. Everything is consistent and child-centered. Please request a tour and check it out for yourself!

Diamond Montessori

I'm a Montessori teacher myself and was incredibly picky about the school I sent my own child to. I chose WMS because not only is it a beautiful, thoughtfully planned and cared for school, with some of the most beautiful learning materials I've seen in nearly a decade of observing at schools across North America- but it is staffed by some of the most loving, kind and engaged teachers I've known. This school is the warm, inclusive and safe space I want my child to grow in. As well, their communication with families is impeccable. They are very clear about it being a three year program, from the first parent open house onwards. The contracts are crystal clear and as a high quality and authentic Montessori program, they place great emphasis on the third year, and this is made very clear to all who apply. I can not recommend this school highly enough. If you're looking for a loving and brilliant environment for your child to grow in, this is the place to go.

Katie Lee

I speak from the heart when I say that I LOVE Westside Montessori School. It is an incredible home away from home for my children. You can easily see the dedication and care that the school puts into everything it does. Here is just one example... When the world went into lockdown in March 2020, without skipping a beat, school went online, reaching out to the students and families through Zoom, providing class meet ups, storytime read alouds, activity tutorials, science experiments, Montessori ideas for the home, songs to sing along to and so much more. They created and uploaded teacher made videos to Youtube so that families could access them at anytime. The school even set up online activities that the whole family could participate in together like family time yoga and whole school dance parties on Zoom. Oh boy did we love those dance parties! They were the highlight of our week. We could send in song requests ahead of time and the children were so excited when "their" song came on. It was so heartwarming to see the school community come together for these special events. Westside Montessori School provided us with so much joy and light during what was a very scary time for our family. When schools and businesses were closing down, this school and its amazing, dedicated teachers, opened up their hearts and zoomed into our homes from their own to make sure that the children felt connected and cared for. You could feel the love through the screen, a love for what they do and who they do it for. Two months into lockdown, schools were given the go-ahead to re-open. While our family was still nervous about leaving the house, we felt confident that our “home away from home” would be the next best place for our children to be. I am so thankful to have found this school.

M S

The Westside Montessori School community is warm and accepting. It feels like family. It is a pleasure to bring my child every afternoon, knowing that she is spending time in a wonderful, stimulating environment. There is a thorough attention to detail. Knowing that the teachers know your child through and through and can guide their learning means a lot. We especially like that Yoga, French and Orff Music are part of the program. It is important to my husband and I that my child is a part of an authentic Montessori Three Year Program. This school is that and so much more. The final year is an important one of growth and all their skills coming together. That is why the full commitment to the school is a part of it when you join. This place leaves a loving and lasting impression during these very important developmental milestone years.

Julie M. Liu

I am absolutely enthralled with this school! My sister raved about this Montessori program so I had to see it for myself and went to the Open House this past year. The teachers are very knowledgeable of the Montessori philosophy and seemed passionate about what they do. The whole event was very informative. The classroom that I observed was beautiful. It was quite a site to see the children explore an environment that was warm and inviting. My nephew attended this Montessori program since he was three years old and it has transformed him into a confident, social, inquisitive person that embodies this love of learning. I have mostly seen this growth in his last year as a Kindergartener. It makes me think why the staff stressed about the three year program at their Open House. He truly blossomed into a little leader. He did so well in a Montessori environment that he is now part of their Elementary program. I am so excited to send my little boy here when he's of age!

Emily Potter

A beautiful school with wonderful, experienced staff. I wish I had been able to attend such a lovely learning environment in my formative years. I would recommend this school to any parents of young children looking for a wonderful community to start their child's educational journey.

Nicole Sobieski

Westside Montessori School sets the standard for how all early childhood programs and schools should be run in our city. Their motto, “a different kind of school” couldn’t be more true. Their Montessori-inspired program is without question the BEST-every child flourishes in their remarkable care. However, what sets this school apart from others is its heart. If you are searching for a school that honours the whole child- where children are viewed as strong, capable and full of wonder and potential this is the place for you. At this school, you will find the most loving, nurturing, dedicated, passionate and professional teachers. Every staff member gets to know the children on a one-on-one basis. They see your child for who he or she is and diversity, individuality and creativity are celebrated. The teachers respect and embrace every child’s stage of development and individual learning needs. These beautiful connections give your child the confidence and support to develop key skills in early literacy, mathematics, inquiry and social-emotional learning. I feel blessed that my son has begun his educational journey in their incredible program.

Chloe B.

Simply incredible. I feel like I won life’s lottery being a part of this school community. The teachers are some of the best people I know and the classrooms are what one could only dream of giving our children and beyond. It’s unlike anything else and I count my blessings being a part of Westside. Watching my little guy run happily to school everyday is the best feeling in the world.

Raechel J

Our family is entering our 6th year as part of the Westside Montessori community! Both of our daughters have attended the Oak St location for their three year foundational program. I have been known to refer to this school as "my rock" because no matter what is going on in life, you know there will be smiling faces and a warm welcome from the caring teachers at WMS! The classrooms are beautifully decorated and the materials are lovingly curated. Can't say enough good things about this school...I recommend it to anyone who wants to see their child blossom with confidence by their kindergarten capstone year!

jung yong kim

My child attended WMS last year and we had a horrible experience with the teachers here. We are really glad we pulled our child from this school. When WMS teachers found out that I was interested in another private school, they forced us to provide them a writing that we will fully commit to their program for three years. They told us if we don't provide them a writing, my child can not come to this school anymore. When I showed up with my child to the school, the teachers told us to leave and pull her out of the class. Along with other parents there, I was completely shocked by their senseless actions. My child was traumatized from this experience as she saw her own mother having tears and argument with the teachers. After filing a complaint to Vancouver Coastal Health, they told us that WMS violated the policies and I believe they had a visit to talk to the school. I also heard from other parents that many students got kicked out in the middle of the year because they were interested in another school. They said it themselves, that they needed to enforce such things to stop students from leaving and having no kindergarten students in their classes.

Nicole G.

WMS is a place like no other, it’s simply outstanding in every way. The staff is like my extended family. I trust them implicitly. My son adores them and talks about them like they are his friends. The program is incredible. They even did a home visit to get to get to know our family better before the first day. That set the tone for us and the school has exceeded our expectations in every way. There are requirements to attend - a full commitment to the program. I was looking for a true Montessori school for my son’s most important developmental years. I wanted an authentic Montessori experience and that’s what he is getting, and then some. With that comes the need to stick to my word and follow through on my family’s commitment to my child completing Montessori at WMS through Kindergarten. And he will, and so will my daughter. I wouldn’t have it any other way. And I expect the other families in my child’s class to do the same. We are all in it together. Trying to leave early ruins it for all of us. As parents, if you sign up and take a coveted space, then at least follow through. Don’t sign up, break your word and expect cake and flowers.

Grace Libuna

My son Gabriel attended several weeks of WMS’ Infant Toddler Program in the summer. It was a wonderful experience for him and for me. The classroom environment is perfect. The materials are just right for young children and very carefully prepared. I took my Assistant Montessori training to prepare for my own child. I can tell that the quality this school offers is so high. The teachers were all incredible. They care so much and I value their expertise. Having the Parent Participation was an excellent way for us to share in the Montessori experience together. Thank you Westside!

William Joel

This school means a lot to my family. My son had attention and impulse issues. We were hopeful that alternate education would be right for him rather than mainstream. This was his first experience in a class so we were apprehensive. The first year was bumpy. He had a lot to learn and so did we! The Westside teachers put in the time and additional energy to make it work. He needed additional support. I would never expect to take the teachers’ time solely for my child. We worked with them to provide extra attention with an educational assistant. This wasn’t easy but boy, was it worth it. In his second and third years he no longer needed daily support. He graduated from the Three Year Program a few years ago and now attends our local public school. We will always be grateful to Westside Montessori School and to the dedicated teachers who helped our son and us parents through this. Their job isn’t easy. They’ve left a lasting impact and Westside has a very special place in our hearts.

Jay Lee

WMS is exceptional. My daughter just graduated and I saw first hand the full merits of this incredible program. The only negative reviews you will see for this school are to do with the requirements to enroll. Westside Montessori School runs an authentic three year Montessori program. They are very clear about this requirement. Parents who break the contracts and don’t fulfill the terms are the ones who try to defame the school. It’s unfortunate. This school is remarkable. It shows in every way. They require the three year commitment. It’s what makes the Montessori system unique and special. Our children grow up together in those three years. My daughter attending Westside was the best decision we made for her.

Linda Nishimura

I’m a huge supporter of Westside. We moved into the neighbourhood hoping to get in. It was the best day when we got the call and I jumped up and down all the while trueing to remain calm during the call - “Yes, I’ll take the spot.” while my heart burst with joy. My kid is starting Kindergarten in September. I feel good every time I drop her off knowing that she will be taken care of and loved. The education is well-rounded. She is exposed to composers and artists, field trips in the city that I would have never thought of. What I also love is how diverse the community is. There are all walks of life which you can tell from the birthday parties. This is where I want my kid to grow up, to spend her Kindergarten year. She gets to be a leader and I see the confidence in her that she can only get by being a part of a strong Montessori school. I love Westside and am thinking about having another kid just so we can keep attending :)

M K

HERE IS WHAT I WISH I HAD KNOWN PRIOR TO SENDING MY KIDS TO WMS (and losing thousands of dollars in "fees" from the school): I'm writing this review as a warning to new parents who are considering WMS. While this school provides a lovely Montessori learning environment that my kids enjoyed, our time at the school ended negatively and left a sour taste in my mouth. I will be wary of unusual school contracts and big upfront payments for years to come. The school enforces a strict THREE year contract. When I accepted a position for my oldest child 2.5 years ago I did not fully understand the repercussions of such a contract. I subsequently learned that nearly NO schools do a Grade 1 entry in Vancouver (the only two schools I know of are the elementary school run by WMS (convenient) and West Point Grey Academy). If you complete the Kindergarten year (3rd year) at WMS you are putting yourself in a very risky position for getting into your preferred school in Grade 1, INCLUDING your catchment public school which we were told we likely couldn't get into if we waited until Grade 1. I did not realize this risk until my daughter was halfway through her 2nd year at WMS. When I expressed these concerns with the school and my desire for my daughter to attend another school for Kindergarten to avoid this risk, I was told that I have "no integrity" for breaking my contract and that I would not be returned my future tuition fees (which they make you pay months in advance). My second child was also removed from the school. I felt that WMS acted harshly in a way that was not in the best interest of my child. There are many reasons why a family might need or want to make changes in their child's first 3 years of school and this contract DOES NOT accommodate potential changes. I witnessed a number of other families face similar experiences. Other notes of interest: The school has high teacher turnover - in my kids class there was a new teacher each year. The drop- off pick-up at the school is very impersonal and there is no viewing area which feels strange. The school is inconsistent in their treatment of families when it comes to the 3 year contract with certain families being given "special" permission to leave the school early with no penalties while others are removed on the spot and charged outlandish fees. Many kids were NOT actually completing the 3 year program (4 of my kids friends that we knew for sure) so we felt we were being pressured to stay while the classroom dynamic was changing around us. A lot can change in 3 years, if a school isn't the right fit for you anymore you should have the right to leave. Overall, if you do not know for certain where you plan to send your child for elementary school OR if you do not know for sure that your child will be accepted into a school with a full Grade 1 entry year, then save yourself huge stress and lost money, DO NOT accept a spot at WMS. There are plenty of other preschools in the city that offer normal arrangements and a family centric approach.

Far B

My daughter is in her Junior Kindergarten year at Westside Montessori School. This has been the very best decision we made. We are thankful everyday when we bring her to school. We see her arrive so happy to see her friends in the playground. We love the other families and she has made strong friendships. This second year, we really see the changes. Her confidence is growing. We even have set up our home like a mini Montessori so that she can build her independence doing things like setting the table and getting herself water or a snack. We notice the little things that the school does that make a great impact on her. We see how much her vocabulary has grown and how articulate she is becoming. We attend the Parent Evenings and learn things like the importance of the language we use around the house. At parent and teacher conferences we gain insights on how she is doing and how to support her learning at home. There is a strong partnership between parents and teachers. During the Children’s Evening last spring we saw the Kindergarten students present projects on the continents. It blew us away. That’s what we want for her . The confidence and knowledge to be able to present to a group of adults and her classmates. I could go on and on about the merits of the full program at Westside. There is a reason why this school has the longest applicant list in the city. If you are lucky enough to get in, take the space. Be committed to the program. It will be the best decision you could possibly make for your child.

Yolanda Pearson

My son loves Westside Montessori School. The Amazing teachers and the beautiful classrooms are what attracted us to the school! In fact, my son never wants to leave school! He is so happy there and he’s grown so much in the little time he has been attending WMS. We have an amazing relationship with all the teachers who are encouraging and loving with my son and all the other children. We can see why this school is so special. It feels like such a warm community here and we are so happy we chose this school for our family!

Grant Marsden

Westside Montessori School was highly recommended to us by several couples in our neighbourhood. As a first time dad, I didn't know much about Montessori or really what to look for in a preschool and Kindergarten. My wife and I were so impressed by the amazing classrooms and warmth and experience of the teachers when we attended the school open house. The administration team is very welcoming and knowledgeable and gave us great information on the Montessori philosophy and teaching method. We knew this would be a great place for our daughters. They loved school and came home every day sharing what they had learned. We can't wait for our son to attend when he is preschool age. We couldn't be more grateful for this fantastic school.