Choose the Glen Montessori School
History of the School
In June of 1986, five mothers who shared a vision for creating a Montessori School in the Sewickley Valley came together and formed The Glen Montessori School. They knew the power of the Montessori methods for teaching children and they wanted that for their own children as well as the community at large. In addition, they recognized the power of combining direct parent involvement and guidance with an educational philosophy that encouraged independence and development at a child’s own pace.
The following September, the school was opened and welcomed its first class of 15 students. News of The Glen Montessori School and the power of the Montessori methods grew rapidly. Even then, the community responded with overwhelming support for the school.
By the following fall (1987), the school enrollment reached its maximum of 24 students. Due to the increasing demand, a second classroom was then added, taking the school’s enrollment to 48 students.
During the 2000 - 2001 school year, the school applications doubled, generating a waiting list long enough to support another two classrooms. At the end of the school year, The Glen relocated to a larger facility in Emsworth Commons that has three large classrooms and office space to support The Glen’s growth.
This new location gives The Glen the proper amount of square footage per child, as recommended by Montessori and allows for room to grow. There is a beautiful outdoor play area for the children to enjoy, as well as an enclosed park to support school functions, which is located adjacent to our building.
During the 2001 –2002 school year, The Glen operated at full enrollment and a third classroom, supporting both morning and afternoon programs, was added to accommodate a larger volume of new students.
Our Mission
It is the mission of The Glen Montessori School to meet four objectives:
- Provide an educational experience that upholds the tenets of education and development as espoused by Dr. Maria Montessori.
- Provide this experience to children of diverse ethnic or cultural and economic backgrounds.
- Create an environment that encourages active parental involvement in the education of the children. This manifests itself through parent committees and a parent-led Board of Directors.
- Ensure the future viability of the school by practicing sound business principles and obtaining alternative sources of non-tuition related funding.
The Glen's Program
The program at The Glen is rich with learning. For a description of the developmental areas and materials used at The Glen, please visit the Glen Programs page.