Woodland Hill Montessori, founded in 1965 as the Montessori School of Albany, is the only independent school in the Capital Region providing the internationally renowned Montessori education for children ages 18 months -14 years of age.
Woodland Hill Montessori School nurtures a child's inner love of learning.
Using specific Montessori methods, creativity and natural curiosity are fostered and individual academic excellence is stressed.
Montessori children are empowered to make decisions and take responsibility from an early age.
They develop strong self-images and confidently face challenges. Montessori is a peace-based education, focusing on global and cultural awareness, cooperation, and respect.
WHMS is accredited by the American Montessori Society, NAIS and NYAIS and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked NY School
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Enrollment: 345 students
- Yearly Tuition: $12,000
- Acceptance rate: 95%
- Average class size: 20 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Woodland Hill Montessori School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
Year Founded
1965
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 1, 2025
Student Body
Total Students
345 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
23%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
20 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$12,000
Tuition Notes
Tuition for the Toddler program starts at $6,845. Tuition for pre-K through K is $11,983- $14,800, grades 1 through 8 ranges from $15,183 to $16,524. Need based financial aid is available.
% on Financial Aid
18%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$3,200
Acceptance Rate
95%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Kris Gernert-Dott
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
6 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
15 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
African Drumming, Band, Chess, Chinese, Chior, Community Service, Latin, Newspapaer, Science Bowl, Skiing, Spanish, Sports Teams, Suzuki Violin, Theater, Yearbook
School Notes
- Woodland Hill Montessori School is the Capital Region`s only independent school providing the internationally renowned Montessori program for children ages 18 months -14 years old. We were founded in 1965 as the Montessori School of Albany by parents searching for a school that would recognize and develop the immense potential within all young children. The elementary program was added in 1986 to serve 6-12 year old children. In 2001, MSA began offering middle school education. In December of 2003, MSA moved to a beautiful, custom designed school on 11 wooded acres in North Greenbush. To celebrate our move to the new location, we changed our name to the Woodland Hill Montessori School.In2012 the school added a toddler program for children 18-36 months old. Woodland Hill Montessori School is committed to providing a nurturing and cooperative learning environment where children are challenged to reach their intellectual, physical and creative potential. The Montessori method is based upon a deep respect for the child as an individual and is designed to stimulate each child`s natural curiosity and love of learning. We invite you to visit and observe the engaging academic environment in our classrooms, the interaction between students, and the unique role of our skilled Montessori teachers. The best way to understand the Montessori difference is to experience it first hand! Please contact Kristine Gernert-Dott, Director of Admissions at 518-283-5400 or kgernertdott@woodlandhill.org to arrange a visit.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Woodland Hill Montessori School cost?
Woodland Hill Montessori School's tuition is approximately $12,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Woodland Hill Montessori School?
The acceptance rate of Woodland Hill Montessori School is 95%, which is higher than the national average of 74%.
Does Woodland Hill Montessori School offer a summer program?
Yes, Woodland Hill Montessori School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Woodland Hill Montessori School offer?
Woodland Hill Montessori School offers 6 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Intramural Sports Only, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Woodland Hill Montessori School's ranking?
Woodland Hill Montessori School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New York for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Woodland Hill Montessori School?
The application deadline for Woodland Hill Montessori School is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
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