“This place feels just the same as I remember it.”

We hear this often from former West Hills students enrolling their own children in our program. It always makes us smile because the story of West Hills Montessori is about multiple generations stepping into the same vision.

It all started in 1950 . . . → Read More: West Hills Montessori: a Legacy of Leadership, Vision, and Community]]>

Anne Blickenstaff & Nancy Hildick

“This place feels just the same as I remember it.”

We hear this often from former West Hills students enrolling their own children in our program. It always makes us smile because the story of West Hills Montessori is about multiple generations stepping into the same vision.

It all started in 1950 when Patricia Hickox was called to provide for the family following her husband’s debilitating accident. With her daughters working next to her, she turned their home into a small daycare that eventually grew beyond expectation to become West Hills Learning Center.

Patricia’s daughter, Nancy Hildick, recalls the moment her mom first learned about Montessori education. “There was a seminar on Montessori education being offered at University of Portland. My mom and I jumped at the chance to further our knowledge of whole child development. We both became certified and it felt like a spark was ignited.”

From there, an additional space was purchased (in our current location) on Vermont Street and West Hills Montessori School was born.   Previously a church’s sanctuary and gathering space, this cozy structure made of cedar log construction attracted the support that was needed.

“It was a huge volunteer effort,” said Nancy. Everything was done in grassroots style. Fliers were circulated through neighborhoods and word of mouth spread passionately, as more families chose a Montessori experience for their children. Buildings were slowly added over the years and awareness of Montessori spread exponentially through Portland and Oregon as new schools emerged. Not surprisingly, Nancy Hildick was also instrumental in bringing AMI Montessori Teacher Training to Portland in 1979.

Today more than 300 children, ages 3-12, are enrolled at four West Hills campuses throughout the city. Furthering the family legacy, Nancy’s daughter, Anne Blickenstaff, spent many years as a classroom teacher before stepping into her mother’s shoes as Administrator.

That makes three generations of dedicated women carrying the legacy of leadership, the vision of education, and the love of community.

So when parents tell us they want their own child to have the same experience as they did at West Hills Montessori, we understand how that feels. We’re honored to have earned your trust all those years ago… and we’re grateful that we can continue to provide the learning experience and memories that your family will treasure for years to come.