West Side Montessori School

West Side Montessori School (WSMS) is an early childhood, independent Montessori school enrolling approximately 200 students, ages 2.10 through 6 (pre-K through kindergarten).
We are a school that awakens children's imaginations to the limitless possibilities in life.
We are a warm, welcoming community in which children and adults find friendships and support, where adults and children are encouraged to ask questions and broaden their understandings of themselves, others and the world around them.
We are committed to maintaining our position as a model urban early childhood program.
We are also committed to being a school that helps prepare future teachers through our on-site weekend Montessori teacher preparation program (our WSMS-TEP) and our vigorous student teaching program.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Top-Ranked NY School
  • School Type: Montessori School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
  • Enrollment: 184 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $45,000
  • Acceptance rate: 20%
  • Average class size: 21 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Top Rankings

West Side Montessori School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
Year Founded
1970
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students
184 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
21%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
West Side Montessori School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
8 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
21 students

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Acceptance Rate
20%
National avg.: 82%
Application URL

School Notes

  • School Motto: To think, not to be thought.
  • West Side Montessori School (WSMS) is an early childhood, independent Montessori school enrolling approximately 200 students, ages 2.10 through 6 (pre-K through kindergarten).
  • We are a school that awakens children's imaginations to the limitless possibilities in life.
  • We are a warm, welcoming community in which children and adults find friendships and support, where adults and children are encouraged to ask questions and broaden their understandings of themselves, others and the world around them.
  • We are committed to maintaining our position as a model urban early childhood program.
  • We are also committed to being a school that helps prepare future teachers through our on-site weekend Montessori teacher preparation program (our WSMS-TEP) and our vigorous student teaching program.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does West Side Montessori School cost?
West Side Montessori School's tuition is approximately $45,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of West Side Montessori School?
The acceptance rate of West Side Montessori School is 20%, which is lower than the national average of 75%. West Side Montessori School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in New York with low acceptance rates.
What is West Side Montessori School's ranking?
West Side Montessori School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Lowest average acceptance rates.
When is the application deadline for West Side Montessori School?
The application deadline for West Side Montessori School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

Endorse West Side Montessori School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Financial Aid 101 for Private School Families 2026
Financial Aid 101 for Private School Families 2026
Guide to private school financial aid in 2026, with current costs, key planning timelines and practical steps parents need to maximize aid options.
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter in 2026
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter in 2026
Discover why extracurricular activities remain essential in 2026, with updated research, costs, and admissions insights for parents and students.
How to Appeal for Financial Aid After Admission
How to Appeal for Financial Aid After Admission
Learn how to appeal for financial aid after admission to a private school, with expert steps, timelines, and 2026 updates for families.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Top-Ranked NY School
  • School Type: Montessori School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
  • Enrollment: 184 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $45,000
  • Acceptance rate: 20%
  • Average class size: 21 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in New York, NY is $46,746 for elementary schools and $49,445 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in New York, NY is 58% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Related School Videos

Quick Links