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Angelisa Fanara
Jul 30, 2026
We are so happy with our experience at The Montessori School of New York International! Our son has been attending since he was 3 years old, and we fully intend to keep him here through elementary and hopefully middle school!
What sets this school apart is the deeply caring, knowledgeable teachers who help every child reach their highest potential. They truly execute the Montessori philosophy by meeting every student where they are at, academically and emotionally.
In a city like New York, where public Gifted & Talented program now relies on a lottery system, finding an environment that caters to advanced or asynchronous learners can be a challenge. Our son has always had a unique academic profile as he was reading by age 2 and solving exponents and square roots by age 5. At this school, his teachers never held him back. Entering 2nd grade this September, he’ll already be diving into 5th grade math!
At the same time, when he struggled with writing, the school's response was amazing. The principal brought in a dedicated sketching teacher for the whole school! His fine motor skills and writing improved drastically in a matter of weeks, and now he actually likes to write! Every child truly gets a tailored, compassionate pathway.
And there are no laptops, iPads, no technology. Just nice old paper and pencils!
Beyond the classroom, the school offers incredible enrichment activities:
Hands-On Learning & Traditions: Field trips are thoughtfully organized around current unit themes. Standout traditions are the annual Science Fair and Spelling Bee Competition, where even the 2.5-year-olds participate! The kids prepare months in advance, pouring their hearts into their projects and preparation.
Active & Well-Rounded Curriculum: Year-round swimming, music, and sketching lessons are included. Their summer camp is also phenomenal, packed with extra sports, like tennis and martial arts, and engaging activities, like robotics and chess, every day.
The administration genuinely invites parents to be partners in their children's education, actively seeking input and suggestions on both academic and athletic activities.
The mixed-age classroom structure is fantastic, and the small cohort allows for deep mentorship and individual attention.
We cannot recommend this school highly enough! An incredible, truly individualized education for kids!
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A Truly Exceptional School Experience!
The Montessori School of New York International is nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment you step in, you can feel the warmth, care, and dedication that defines this school. The teachers are absolutely wonderful—nurturing, highly skilled, and deeply committed to each child’s growth.
The academic experience is impressive. Children are not only well cared for, but they also receive a rich, engaging education every single day. Their intellectual growth is remarkable, and it’s clear that the curriculum is both challenging and inspiring. The school emphasizes global awareness, with students learning about different countries and cultures in meaningful ways.
Educational field trips are another standout feature. These carefully planned outings bring learning to life and give students a well-rounded understanding of the world around them.
The summer camp is also a highlight. It’s a perfect blend of fun, learning, and physical activity. The children stay active, explore the city, and most importantly, continue their academic development throughout the summer. Thanks to this, there’s no need to spend the first part of the next school year re-learning what was forgotten—because nothing is!
Most importantly, the children are happy, curious, and thriving. As a parent, that’s the greatest gift of all. We couldn’t be more grateful for this incredible school.
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Maria Habib
May 14, 2024
Montessori International School of NYC is one of a kind! This school has been the biggest blessing!! I cannot speak highly enough of this school. My son started to go to this school at the age of 2.5 years. When we were researching schools, it was important for me that he is in a safe environment where he can learn and grow. Early childhood learning is undoubtedly an important foundation that Montessori International NYC excels at; they truly have exceeded my expectations.
Academics
The school invests their time and energy into the kid's learning which is exactly what you want in a school. The school started giving my son workbooks/homework in reading and math. He has excelled so much in the past few years and is now at a 1st/2nd grade level in reading/writing/math and he is just a few weeks shy of being 5 years old. His writing, reading, and math skills have grown so much! I now have a second child who goes to the school. She is 2.5 years old now. I have already seen a difference. She is singing songs and her ABC's, speaking full sentences, very social, and knows how to play by herself and with others. The Montessori method allows students to learn and advance at their own pace. They truly have made a huge difference and I am so happy for all that they invested in their learning.
Activities
The kids get to do so many activities. They go on field trips to the Central Park Zoo, Botanic Gardens, and Museums. They have activities and events throughout the year. They celebrate diversity throughout the year, the kids are learning about various countries and even get a taste of various cuisines. They have "Asia" day where they pick a country in Asia and present a poster about the culture and dress, etc. They have "India" day and were even given Indian food to taste for lunch. They also learn about other countries including countries in Africa and Europe. They are well rounded and have made a strong effort to introduce the kids to a wide variety of cultures which holds true to their name as Montessori School International. They are very active in the school with art projects and coloring. They have science fairs (and yes even for the little ones) which I think is amazing since it teaches them how to stand up in front of the classroom and present. They have spelling bees and an annual "Montessorics" where they have friendly competitions in physical sports i.e. running etc. They go on walks when the weather permits and learn about their surroundings. I also like that they have a dress code so the kids are well dressed and dressed for success. They have white and blue Montessori International shirts that they wear on outings or gym day (once every week). They have their own Montessori jackets and sweaters. They offer additional extracurricular classes both during the school year and summer school, when age appropriate and child-ready, which can vary but include swimming, tennis, martial arts, gymnastics, and chess. The field trips and classes may begin at various ages but the school works on getting the kids prepared to begin going on field trips when they are ready (level of independence, comfort with going on and off the bus, ability to listen to instruction, etc). They also have summer camp which is incredible!
Teachers/administration
The teachers are one of a kind! They really give them their all, working long hours, working hard, and dedicating their time and resources for the children. As a note, this is not a daycare in which teachers are snapping photos all day and updating you on what they ate as some schools may do. Instead, they use the school time actually devoting their attention to the class. They do offer progress reports twice a year, and occasional photos from presentations and events. More importantly, I can call in or email them and always get a prompt response. They answer all my questions and are absolutely helpful. They are truly a gem in the city.
Summary
The school has been absolutely wonderful!! I am forever appreciative and grateful for them!! I highly recommend!!