About

In 1984, West Hills Montessori School founded a unique new preschool/kindergarten program that would give opportunities for young children with special needs to successfully blend into a class alongside others not in need of special assistance. The Montessori method was a perfect fit for the new school as it allows for a wide range of skills and for children to work at their own pace. Thus, the Montessori Pathways School, a 503 (c)(3) corporation, was established.

The program is governed by its own volunteer Board of Directors and it is the only Montessori program in Oregon that focuses on this special format. Our two classes are taught by dedicated staff consisting of Montessori Guides who have Special Education backgrounds, supported by experienced assistants. The two dedicated teachers have 27 and 30 years of classroom practice as Montessori educators.

Over the years we have served children with a variety of special needs, including: seizure disorders, Down’s Syndrome, Autism, Aspberger’s Syndrome, blindness, hearing difficulties, loss of limbs, speech problems and many other developmental difficulties. These special students have blossomed from a positive beginning in their educational experiences, while those not in need of special assistance have developed compassion and friendship for their classmates who may need a little extra help.

In 2002, the Montessori Pathways Board elected to add a new component to its mission by expanding specials needs to include financial aid for families who wanted a Montessori education but needed financial aid to participate. To support this new focus the “annual auction” (more) was begun. Funds from the evening’s event go into a “tuition assistance” account that is administered by a special committee who receive guidance from an accountant. This year we are proudly heading into our 8th Auction staffed by parent volunteers and assisted by an active Board.

Montessori Pathways continues to be supported by tuition, the annual auction, donations, gifts and grants.

MISSION STATEMENT

Montessori Pathways is dedicated to developing compassionate, independent, life-long learners within a diversified and blended, educational community, according to the principles and curriculum developed by Dr. Maria Montessori.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Montessori Pathways is a pre-school/kindergarten program that offers worthwhile and successful experiences for a diversified group of children within an enriched educational environment.  The school is dedicated to education according to Dr. Maria Montessori, physician and educator, who spent much of her life developing methods to meet the needs of young learners.  Within the Montessori Pathways program each student is respected as an individual with unique capabilities and interests to be encouraged and developed at his/her own pace.  Enrollment includes students 3 to 6+ years of age with a broad spectrum of abilities, resulting in a blended classroom community where children become independent learners, sharing their companionship and compassion.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

We consider a racial and ethnic mixture important to the health of Montessori Pathways.  Our program welcomes students and staff of any race, color, national or ethnic origin and family constellation to all programs and activities.  Montessori Pathways does not discriminate on any basis in its education, admission, hiring, or any other school policy.  It is our goal that Montessori Pathways reflects the rich diversity of our community, including varied cultures, economic status, and individual or special educational needs.