West Hills Montessori School was founded over 40 years ago with the mission to provide a quality Montessori educational environment to primary age children (ages 3–6). Today, West Hills Schools has 13 classrooms at four different campuses serving children ages 3–12. West Hills Schools is committed to the growth and development of each individual child. This commitment to the “whole child” and his/her total well being remains the foundation for our community.

We are an independent, privately owned, nonsectarian Montessori preschool/kindergarten, lower and upper elementary program. It is our goal that West Hills Montessori and Elementary School reflect the rich diversity of our community, including various cultures, economic status and individual or special educational needs. We welcome students and staff of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion and family constellation to our program and activities. Dedicated staff is committed to fulfilling the needs of each child as an individual and to encourage intellectual development.

The school year extends between September and early June, five days per week. The schedule will closely follow the Portland Public School calendar. A summer session is offered from mid-June through mid-August.

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Our Program includes: • Practical Life & Sensorial • Language & Math • Geography & Science • Art & Music • Creative Movement • Spanish • Outdoor Activities Our Objectives are: • Joy in Learning • Concentration • Self Confidence • Respect for Others • Self Control &Courtesy • Coordination • Academic Skills

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West Hills Schools History

West Hill Montessori School began in 1968 for the benefit of the young children in our community. Our first primary classroom was founded by Beverly Davis and Nancy Hildick with the help of the West Hills Child Care Center. These teachers developed a new West Hills School according to the principles and philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. We have grown from 8 students to an enrollment of 275 children, with a community of 40 staff members. Over the years, growth has come in many stages, starting with one Morning Class, adding a Summer Program, and expanding into All Day and Extended Day Classes with Before and After School Care. In 1998 we established an Elementary Program that allows first through sixth graders to build upon the foundation of knowledge, skills and self-confidence they acquired through our Primary Program.

The classes first met in the Main Building, formerly a church structure. We have expanded twice by constructing the West Building in 1977 and the East Building in 1988. The facilities include nearly 2 acres of land, allowing us comfortable indoor space, a large parking area and abundant outdoor space for the children to play.

Our Montessori primary classes include children ages three through six years. When your child enters our school, we hope that you will make a three-year commitment to the pre-school/kindergarten classes so that he/she will be able to experience the complete Montessori Primary Program.

The Elementary Program is designed as an age-integrated group of children 6 to 12 years of age. It provides a blend of experiences with advanced Montessori primary equipment, as well as other more traditional and contemporary curriculum materials. This small, personal community of children, supported by caring staff members, allows families to plan for up to nine years of experience at our school.

We believe that school is an extension of home rather than a substitute for it. West Hills Montessori School is your child’s special learning place where a loving and stimulating environment encourages your child to develop attitudes, skills and ideas essential to independent growth, creative thinking and learning.