Western Pennsylvania Montessori School

Western Pennsylvania Montessori School Learn more by visiting our website - http://www.wpms.edu

The Western Pennsylvania Montessori School, Inc., was founded in September 1965 as a non-profit organization and is affiliated with the American Montessori Society.

Meet Mrs. Arnold (Purple Room Teacher)!1. What is your favorite thing about teaching? (What keeps you coming back each d...
08/21/2026

Meet Mrs. Arnold (Purple Room Teacher)!

1. What is your favorite thing about teaching? (What keeps you coming back each day? What inspired you to teach?)

My favorite part about teaching is watching children grow in confidence and independence. There is something so special about seeing a child master a skill they have been working on or hearing them proudly say, “I did it!” Those little moments remind me why I love what I do.

Working with toddlers is especially rewarding because every day brings new discoveries. No two days are ever the same! I love watching their personalities grow and seeing how much they learn and change throughout the year.

2. Is there a Montessori philosophy, principle, or quote that especially resonates with you? Why?

One of my favorite Montessori quotes is:

“Never help a child with a task at which they feel they can succeed.” – Dr. Maria Montessori

This quote reminds me to step back and trust children. It can be tempting to help, but giving children the time and opportunity to do things for themselves builds confidence, independence, and resilience. Some of the greatest moments in the classroom happen when children realize they are capable of more than they thought.

3. Just for fun: What’s your go-to coffee order, favorite TV show, hobby, or another fun fact about yourself?

Outside of school, I love making handmade crafts and painting. I also enjoy gardening and spending time outdoors.

The glow-up is REAL this week at WPMS! 🛠️🎨Mr. Ron (the handiest man in the land 💪🔧) + 360 Painting= a school that's look...
08/20/2026

The glow-up is REAL this week at WPMS! 🛠️🎨

Mr. Ron (the handiest man in the land 💪🔧) + 360 Painting= a school that's looking fresh for 2026–27! ✨

Coming up:
📅 Next week — Staff Work Week
📅 Next Friday — New student Peek Visits!👀🎒

Can't wait to see everyone! 🙌

Meet Mrs. Campbell, WPMS Head of School!Favorite thing about teaching / what keeps you coming back:My favorite things ab...
08/19/2026

Meet Mrs. Campbell, WPMS Head of School!

Favorite thing about teaching / what keeps you coming back:

My favorite things about teaching are those "aha!" moments when something clicks during a lesson or discussion — and the lasting relationships I see form between families and staff. I was inspired to teach over twenty-five years ago after spending just a short time in a toddler class. That age group made me fall in love with teaching because I witnessed their pure love of learning and the joy in their eyes.

A Montessori principle that resonates with you:

The Montessori principle that resonates with me is the respect for the child and intentionality of "holding the child's spirit" and honoring them for who they are. Children have a natural joy within them, and it's unfortunate that everyone can't appreciate it.

Just for fun — Coffee order:
My go-to coffee order is a double iced blonde espresso over extra ice with one pump vanilla syrup, one pump brown sugar syrup, 3/4 splash of oat milk, and salted caramel cold foam. Basically a dessert I can drink — and yes, I know it's extra. ;)

Meet Mrs. Knepp, WPMS Education Director!What inspired you to teach? I was inspired to become a teacher after becoming a...
08/17/2026

Meet Mrs. Knepp, WPMS Education Director!

What inspired you to teach?

I was inspired to become a teacher after becoming a big sister at the age of 8. Watching my brother grow and learn new things was always exciting to me. It was then that I knew I wanted to work with children. My favorite part of working with children continues to be watching them grow and develop, make new discoveries, and build their confidence and independence.

Is there a Montessori quote that especially resonates with you? Why?

There are so many great Montessori quotes, but here are two of my favorites: “The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” “Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” Both of these quotes resonate with me because they remind us that children are far more capable than we often realize.

Just for fun/Fun fact about me:

When I was in elementary school, my parents started a small side business. They owned a small amusement business that included small carnival or “kiddie” rides, games, cotton candy and popcorn machines, and more. Throughout the summer, we would travel to various local fairs. To this day, my parents still own some amusement equipment, and my dad now owns a consulting business specializing in amusement safety.

Meet Ms. Cole (Toddler Aftercare Teacher)!My favorite thing about teaching is seeing all of the growth that comes with t...
08/15/2026

Meet Ms. Cole (Toddler Aftercare Teacher)!

My favorite thing about teaching is seeing all of the growth that comes with the process. It’s so rewarding and exciting to see how much the kids learn. They are always so excited to learn and share it with their loved ones, which is a breath of fresh air.

My favorite Montessori quote is “follow the child, but follow them as their leader.” I feel like this allows the child to experience independence with their learning, while also stepping in when necessary or scaffolding their next steps.

Finally, about me: my favorite hobby is being a part of a bowling league and any art or junk journaling

Meet Mrs. Elfituri (Toddler Aftercare Teacher)!My favorite part of working with children is watching them grow, learn, a...
08/14/2026

Meet Mrs. Elfituri (Toddler Aftercare Teacher)!

My favorite part of working with children is watching them grow, learn, and become more independent. I especially enjoy working with toddlers and seeing their confidence grow each day.

A Montessori idea I love is, “Help me to do it myself.” It reminds me how important it is to give children the time and encouragement to try things on their own.

For fun, I enjoy baking, spending time with my family, and a good cup of coffee. I’m grateful to be part of the WPMS community and to support the children as they learn and grow.

Meet Mrs. Elsayed (Red Room Primary Teacher)!What is your favorite thing about teaching? (What keeps you coming back eac...
08/13/2026

Meet Mrs. Elsayed (Red Room Primary Teacher)!

What is your favorite thing about teaching? (What keeps you coming back each day? What inspired you to teach?)

What I love most about teaching is watching children grow in confidence and discover that they are capable of doing things on their own. What keeps me coming back each day is the opportunity to make a positive difference, no matter how small, by helping students learn new skills, think critically, and believe in themselves. I was inspired to teach because education has the power to open doors, spark curiosity, and change lives, and I wanted to be part of that process.

Is there a Montessori philosophy, principle, or quote that especially resonates with you? Why?

”The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.'” – Maria Montessori

Just for fun: What's your go-to coffee order, favorite TV show, hobby, or another fun fact about yourself?

I love a good iced vanilla latte (or a hot coffee when it’s cold outside!). In my free time, I enjoy reading, going for walks, and trying new recipes. A fun fact about me is that I love learning new things, so I’m always picking up a new book

Meet Mrs. Ames (Purple Room Assistant and Music Teacher)!What is your favorite thing about teaching? I really love watch...
08/11/2026

Meet Mrs. Ames (Purple Room Assistant and Music Teacher)!

What is your favorite thing about teaching? I really love watching people grow, at every age (including myself - lifelong learner here!).

I've been teaching since I was a young kid, lining up my stuffed animals for a very un-Montessori class! Fast forward through life, and I've taught toddlers through adults - each group having its own rewards and challenges. My passion, though, is making music with kids. It's such a fun way to connect with my students while providing experiences for them to strengthen their community.

Is there a Montessori philosophy, principle, or quote that especially resonates with you? Why?

I truly appreciate that Montessori teaches us to make space for each person to grow, in their own way and their own time. I'm finding that my role in a Montessori classroom is as a learner of my students. If I'm quiet long enough, they teach me and their other guides exactly what they are ready to learn and what lessons will fulfill their needs. There is magic in the discovery of each child's needs.

Just for fun:

My favorite things in the world (in no particular order) are my family, animals (especially horses!), music (including a deep love and appreciation of the marching arts), and traveling to new places (beaches are always a winner).

🚀 Space Camp was truly out of this world! Our young explorers dove into the wonders of the solar system. Campers had a b...
08/07/2026

🚀 Space Camp was truly out of this world! Our young explorers dove into the wonders of the solar system. Campers had a blast learning about the planets, the sun, and what makes our cosmic neighborhood tick.

The hands-on highlight was making rocket crafts! Campers designed their very own rockets, putting their creativity (and engineering skills) to the test.

We wrapped it all up with a special presentation by Moonshot Museum, who brought the excitement of space exploration right to our campers. It was the perfect way to end the week — inspiring big dreams and even bigger questions about what's out there.
Until next launch! 🛰️

Meet Mrs. Smith! (Yellow Room Assistant) What is your favorite thing about teaching? (What keeps you coming back each da...
08/07/2026

Meet Mrs. Smith! (Yellow Room Assistant)

What is your favorite thing about teaching? (What keeps you coming back each day? What inspired you to teach?)

Throughout my teaching career, I have worked with students of all ages, from secondary classrooms to preschools, and have developed a deep appreciation for the curiosity, independence, and joy of early childhood learning. The relationships are what keep me coming back. I love getting to know each child as an individual, guiding them to discover their confidence, and watching their growth. I also appreciate WPMS's strong sense of community and the meaningful relationships that foster connection and belonging among students, families, and staff.

Is there a Montessori philosophy, principle, or quote that especially resonates with you? Why?

While my educational background is not rooted in Montessori philosophy, I realize that many of its principles have naturally shaped my parenting. The Montessori belief in independence and freedom of movement especially resonates with me. I too believe children learn best when trusted to explore, solve problems, and experience the world with curiosity and joy. Giving children the freedom to move, explore, and learn through hands-on experiences nurtures confidence, resilience, and a genuine love of learning.

Just for fun: What's your go-to coffee order, favorite TV show, hobby, or another fun fact about yourself?

My go-to coffee order is a Caramel Macchiato with oat milk — iced in the summer and hot as soon as the weather starts to cool! Outside of school, I love spending time with my husband, our two children, our dog, and our extended family. In my free time, you'll find me catching up on reality shows, reading a good book, exercising, cheering on my kids at their activities, connecting with my FIT4MOM North Hills village, planning our next family adventure, or finding any excuse to spend time outdoors.

Address

2379 Wyland Avenue
Allison Park, PA
15101

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 3:15pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 3:15pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 3:15pm
Thursday 8:30am - 3:15pm
Friday 8:30am - 3:15pm

Telephone

+14124872700

Website

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