Westlake, Ohio · Ages 18 months – Kindergarten

A calm, joyful place
for children to grow.

Westshore Montessori School offers an authentic Montessori education in a warm, prepared environment — where children build independence, confidence, and a genuine love of learning at their own gentle pace.

Welcome to Westshore

An education that follows the child.

Since 1966, families have trusted Westshore Montessori to nurture the whole child. Guided by trained Montessori directresses, children explore hands-on materials, care for their classroom community, and discover the quiet confidence that comes from doing meaningful work themselves.

Our classrooms are calm, beautiful, and full of purpose — with natural light, real materials, and the time each child needs to flourish.

About Our School
An education that follows the child.

The Essentials

A Peaceful and Happy Environment

The beautiful, inviting, and thoughtfully arranged environments at Westshore Montessori embody each element of Maria Montessori's revolutionary approach.

Natural lighting, soft colors, and uncluttered spaces set the stage for activity that is focused and calm.

Everything is where it is meant to be, conveying a sense of harmony and order that comforts and inspires each child to do their best, help their classmates, and find the joy of learning.

A Peaceful and Happy Environment
What is a True Montessori Education?

What is a True Montessori Education?

At Westshore, we help families raise children who are confident, caring, and excited to learn.

The child is at the center of the learning environment; through careful observation, our guides support each child's cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Our individualized approach uses concrete, self-correcting materials that reinforce learning through repetition and the quiet satisfaction of genuine success.

The Montessori Curriculum

What your child explores each day.

Four interconnected areas of the prepared classroom, each inviting purposeful, hands-on discovery.

Cultural

Cultural studies give children a comprehensive understanding of the world — nurturing curiosity, an appreciation for diversity, and a sense of connection to humanity and nature.

Practical Life

Practical Life activities foster independence, develop fine motor skills, and build a sense of responsibility and order through hands-on, real-world tasks.

Sensorial

Sensorial work refines the senses — sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell — supporting cognitive development and laying a foundation for future learning.

Math

Math is hands-on and concrete, focused on genuine understanding rather than memorization, so children explore numbers and operations at their own pace.

Our Programs

A continuous path, from infancy to kindergarten.

Each program is thoughtfully prepared for a specific plane of development, so your child is always met exactly where they are.

Birth–18 mo

The Nest · Parent/Infant

A gentle, nurturing first community for our youngest learners and their families, built on warmth, trust, and connection.

18 mo–3 yr

Toddler Program

Purposeful movement, language, and care of self in a calm environment designed for budding independence.

3–6 yr

Primary Program

The classic Montessori children’s house — practical life, sensorial, math, and language brought to life through hands-on materials.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten Leaders

The capstone year, where children become mentors and leaders, consolidating skills and a lifelong love of learning.

Our Guides

Meet the directresses who know your child.

Our trained, caring guides bring calm rhythm and deep respect to every classroom.

Pam Bundy
Pam Bundy
Interim Director
Holding our community with steady warmth and a deep belief in every child’s potential.
Nancy Wu
Nancy Wu
Primary Directress
Guiding primary children toward independence with patience and quiet joy.
Michele Elgart
Michele Elgart
Primary Directress
Creating a prepared environment where curiosity and concentration flourish.
Eileen Nagel
Eileen Nagel
Primary Assistant Directress
Supporting each child’s day with gentle attention and care.
Sofia Velez-Stephens
Sofia Velez-Stephens
Lead Directress · Toddler
Welcoming our youngest movers with rhythm, song, and a soft, prepared space.
Grace Stephens
Grace Stephens
Lead Directress · Toddler
Nurturing first steps toward independence with warmth and consistency.
Lauren Hart
Lauren Hart
Lead Directress · Toddler
Honoring each toddler’s pace with patience, presence, and play.
Rachael Pisanelli
Rachael Pisanelli
Lead Directress · Toddler
Building a gentle community where toddlers feel safe to explore and grow.
Our Community

The Contribution of a Board Member

Westshore Montessori Association is a 501(c)(3) organization led by parents and community leaders dedicated to giving every child an authentic Montessori education.

Our trustees are advocates and ambassadors for the school — guiding governance and helping secure the resources and partnerships that keep our community Westshore Strong.

About the Board

Interested in joining the board?

We welcome dedicated parents and community members — especially those with experience in accounting, law, human resources, or media. Tell us about yourself and we'll be in touch.

Express Interest
Parent Voices

Families love Westshore.

“We have had a wonderful experience at Westshore Montessori. We are so thankful to have found it. The children, including ours, thrive and become enmeshed in strong, foundational approaches to learning, integrity, and empathy.”

— Laura M., Parent

“Our son has had an amazing experience at Westshore and we are so happy we found them! We can’t wait until our daughter is old enough to attend. The quality of the education and the dedication of the teachers is unmatched.”

— Matthew P., Parent

“Westshore Montessori has truly changed our lives! We have watched our two young children thrive under the Montessori method and thoughtful, patient approach. We are so grateful to have this education available on the Westside of Cleveland.”

— Taylor P., Parent

“As a first-time parent, Westshore has impressed me with the life skills they’re teaching my son. He also really enjoys going to school each day. It’s been a wonderful experience.”

— Ryan L., Parent

Now accepting applications — space is limited.

The best way to understand Westshore is to visit. Schedule a private tour and watch your child’s future classroom come to life.

Schedule a Tour