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Mountaintop Montessori School

440 Pinnacle Pl
Charlottesville, VA 22911

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Tel: (434) 979-8886

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Inspiring and guiding our students to become global citizens through critical thinking, mindful action and joyful responsibility towards their educations, others and the earth.

Mountaintop is one of only two schools in Virginia to be fully accredited by both the American Montessori Society and the Virginia Association of Independent Schools.

Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked VA School
School Type: Montessori School
Grades: Prekindergarten-8
Enrollment: 234 students
Yearly Tuition: $45,000
Average class size: 23 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Mountaintop Montessori School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for:

School Overview

School Type

Montessori School

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

American Montessori Society (AMS)
State or regional independent school association

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-8

Year Founded

1982

Summer School Offered

Yes

Campus Size

9 acres

Student Body

Total Students

234 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

15%

State avg.: 31%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

12 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

20:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

32%

Average Class Size

23 students

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$45,000

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Varies by student\'s age and length of day for which student is enrolled.

% on Financial Aid

35%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$3,211

Admissions Director

Austin Robey

Application URL

Online Application

School Notes

Mountaintop owns nearly 10 acres on Pantops Mountain. The facilities include: classrooms with adjacent gardens and areas for outdoor learning; a greenhouse; a multi-purpose building that includes a gym; two spacious old homes and a cottage that are home to classrooms; a commercial-grade instructional kitchen; a student-run school store; and playgrounds and athletic fields. The school was established in 1982 by a group of parents interested in offering the Montessori method as an alternative educational model for their children. Mountaintop Ecology curriculum includes certification as a wildlife sanctuary with the National Wildlife Foundation and Audubon International. Mountaintop serves over 200 children in our: * Toddler Community (18 months- 3 years), * Children's House (PreK and K), * Elementary (grades 1-3 and 4-6) and * Middle School (grades 7-8) Families come to Mountaintop from Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa, Nelson and Green Counties for the nurturing Montessori environment we provide. Mountaintop is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees who are parents of alumni and current students and members of the local education, business and professional community.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Mountaintop Montessori School cost?

Mountaintop Montessori School's tuition is approximately $45,000 for private students.

What is Mountaintop Montessori School's ranking?

Mountaintop Montessori School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for: Largest student body.

When is the application deadline for Mountaintop Montessori School?

The application deadline for Mountaintop Montessori School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked VA School
School Type: Montessori School
Grades: Prekindergarten-8
Enrollment: 234 students
Yearly Tuition: $45,000
Average class size: 23 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Charlottesville, VA is $29,624 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Charlottesville, VA is 59% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).