Secret no more: Montessori School of the Mahoning Valley

The Mahoning Valley’s Montessori School is tucked away in a residential section of Youngstown’s Brownlee Woods neighborhood. You wouldn’t know it was there, except for its impact on its students and community.

Jaci and I decided the Montessori School was a compelling alternative to homeschooling and haven’t been disappointed. Both our children attend, and they find small class sizes and practical, hands-on education in a home-like setting.

Montessori School of the Mahoning Valley (MSMV) started in the basement of the Unitarian Church near Wick Park thirty-five years ago. For us and our desire to ensure our kids get a rigorous and stimulating education in a science-based environment, it was the obvious choice when the other private schools in the area are religiously affiliated.

MSMV classes feature groupings with multiple ages, so first-, second- and third-graders are in class together in “Lower Elementary”—younger students learning from the older ones, and the older students gaining experience as mentors. “Upper Elementary” comprises fourth through sixth grades and seventh and eighth grades constitute the “Adolescent” level. Kindergarten and preschool (“Primary”—ages 3-6) are available, as well.

Students collaborate on projects. For example, the Adolescent grades work towards funding a class trip by marketing, cooking, selling and serving pepperoni rolls and pizza during lunch. They send out order forms in advance, they collect the money, they keep the books and they budget their trip according to what they’ve earned. How do you think your children would best learn math? Homework? Or running their own business?

The school itself is run by the families who attend. Parents gather regularly to network and socialize and to ensure the school runs smoothly. Parent volunteers give their time to contain educational costs and because it gives them an even more vested interest and involvement with their child’s growth.

Stop by the school, on 208 Lynn Avenue, either 10am or 2pm on Saturday, April 25. Join an informational meeting geared toward parents with children ages 3 to 12 years. Experience the child-centered, individualized approach developed over 100 years ago by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman physician in Italy, with the school’s executive director, Amy-Anne Kibler. There will be Q&A, plus a school tour.

You can also schedule a visit anytime by calling the school office at 330-788-4622. Applications are being accepted for the fall. Call now and avoid the waiting list! Financial aid opportunities are available.

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