Waterfront Montessori is a parent-founded, parent-run school committed to excellence and to developing global leaders and citizens.
Our philosophy and curriculum reflect the beliefs we've developed as a result of observing and nurturing our own children: We believe that each child is a unique and extraordinary individual with his or her own set of gifts, interests and needs; we believe that if we encourage the natural curiosity of each child, the child will develop confidence in his or her ability to master any subject or skill; and, we believe that if we respect and nurture what is already within each child, the child will have the opportunity to become everything he or she can be.
Our primary goal is to foster a love of learning that our children will carry throughout their lives.
By creating our vision of the best possible school for our own children, we believe that we can provide an extraordinary learning environment for yours.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Top Ranked NJ School
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Enrollment: 127 students
- Yearly Tuition: $31,000
- Acceptance rate: 65%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Waterfront Montessori ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
Extracurriculars
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
Year Founded
2003
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
127 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
58%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
80%
Average Class Size
12 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$31,000
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies from $22,000 to $35,000 based on age/class and half/full/ext day hours.
Summer Program Cost
$1,500
% on Financial Aid
10%
Acceptance Rate
65%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Ben Wagor
Admissions Associate
Jessica DuRoselle
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
17 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts & Crafts, Ballet, Bambino Chef, Chess, Creative Movement, Drama, Fencing, Journalsim, Robotics, Sewing, Wow Sports, Yoga
Arts and Music Programs:
Guitar, Piano, Violin, Visual Arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Karate
Arts & Crafts, Ballet, Bambino Chef, Chess, Creative Movement, Drama, Fencing, Journalsim, Robotics, Sewing, Wow Sports, Yoga
Arts and Music Programs:
Guitar, Piano, Violin, Visual Arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Karate
School Notes
- Waterfront Montessori was founded in 2003 when a group of Jersey City mothers who were frustrated by both the limited educational options and the lack of enrichment activities for their children close to home decided to take matters into their own hands. We set out to create what we did want in a school: A place where our children could get an exceptional education; a place where the activities we wanted for them art, music, theater, foreign languages, movement were either part of the curriculum or otherwise offered; a place with talented and highly qualified teachers who would guide our children; and, a place in which we were confident our children would be as well off, if not better off, than in our care. We set out to create what is now Waterfront Montessori -- a parent-run school with strong community ties and a drive to achieve the highest educational standards for each and every child -- including our own. Our mission is to provide the highest caliber of well-rounded education, socially, emotionally, intellectually and artistically, for all children from all over the globe and from all walks of life, so that they may achieve their fullest potential as critical thinkers, learners, explorers, inventors, artists, leaders, and, ultimately, citizens of the world. Programs offered are:
- Toddler/Pre-Primary (Ages 2 to 3.5)
- Primary (Ages 3 through Kindergarten)
- Lower Elementary (Grades 1, 2 and 3)
- Upper Elementary (Grades 4 and 5)
- International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (Grades 6 through 8. WFM is an authorized IB World School.)
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Waterfront Montessori cost?
Waterfront Montessori's tuition is approximately $31,000 for private students and $1,500 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of Waterfront Montessori?
The acceptance rate of Waterfront Montessori is 65%, which is lower than the national average of 80%.
What is Waterfront Montessori's ranking?
Waterfront Montessori ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Jersey for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Waterfront Montessori?
The application deadline for Waterfront Montessori is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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