Waterfront Montessori is a parent-founded, authentic Montessori and International Baccalaureate World School serving students from Toddlers through Middle School. 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. We are committed to excellence and to developing global leaders and citizens. WFM is a fully licensed childcare center by the State of New Jersey and an accredited IB World School by the International Baccalaureate Organization.
Quick Stats (2024)
- Top Ranked NJ School
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Enrollment: 127 students
- Yearly Tuition: $33,600
- Acceptance rate: 65%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Upcoming Events and News
- Open House - Sat., October 19, 2024 - get more information!
- Open House - Sat., December 07, 2024 - get more information!
- Open House - Sat., January 25, 2025 - get more information!
- Where do our students go when they graduate? - 07/30/2024Our graduates are admitted to the top high schools in New Jersey, New York, and beyond! Click on the link to see the incredible list of high schools and colleges ...moreour alumni have been admitted to. hide
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
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
127 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
76%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
80%
Average Class Size
12 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$33,600
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies based on age/class and half/full/ext day hours.
Summer Program Cost
$2,100
Summer Program Cost Notes
Summer Camp varies based on age/program.
% on Financial Aid
17%
Acceptance Rate
65%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Sarah Woodruff
Admissions Associate
Jessica DuRoselle
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
23 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess, Creative Movement, Drama, Fencing, First Lego League Robotics Team, Lego WeDo Robotics, MAD Science
Arts and Music Programs:
Crafting, Dance, Guitar, Improv Comedy, Musical Theatre, Piano, Puppet Making, Sewing, Ukulele, Violin, Visual Arts, Voice and Scene
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Karate, Soccer, Wow Sports, Yoga
Chess, Creative Movement, Drama, Fencing, First Lego League Robotics Team, Lego WeDo Robotics, MAD Science
Arts and Music Programs:
Crafting, Dance, Guitar, Improv Comedy, Musical Theatre, Piano, Puppet Making, Sewing, Ukulele, Violin, Visual Arts, Voice and Scene
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Karate, Soccer, Wow Sports, Yoga
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:
Programs offered are:
- Toddler (Ages 2 to 3.5)
- Primary (Ages 3 through Kindergarten)
- Lower Elementary (Grades 1, 2 and 3)
- Upper Elementary (Grades 4 and 5)
- Blended Montessori and International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program in the Middle School (Grades 6 through 8)
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Waterfront Montessori cost?
Waterfront Montessori's tuition is approximately $33,600 for private students and $2,100 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 79%.
Does Waterfront Montessori offer a summer program?
Yes, Waterfront Montessori offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
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).
In what neighborhood is Waterfront Montessori located?
Waterfront Montessori is located in the Downtown Jersey City neighborhood of Jersey City, NJ. There are 11 other private schools located in Downtown Jersey City.
School Reviews
5 7/19/2024
As a Waterfront Montessori graduate, I can honestly say that even compared to my high school, college, and graduate educational experiences, WFM did the most to prepare me for professional success and made me into the person I am today. Thanks to WFM's continual encouragement to explore my interests and self-driven research opportunities like FedEx days, I am now endlessly curious and relentlessly persistent when learning and solving problems. When I'm introduced to a new concept or unsolved problem, I won't stop until I fully understand or have solved it-quickly gathering research, synthesizing information, and using pattern recognition to build a rich depth of understanding in relatively little time. In my free time, I constantly seek to learn new things and build prototypes to test my knowledge and abilities.Thanks to WFM's middle school's self-managed weekly work plans that mirror workplace task management, I have extremely robust time management skills and am completely self-driven-I hit the ground running on day one of new jobs and maintain a high level of productivity that has earned me multiple promotions in short succession. This carries over to my personal projects, too.Thanks to regular class presentations, a continuous focus on writing, and Montessori Model United Nations, WFM taught me skill, confidence, and grace with writing, verbal communication, and public speaking. Not only can I deftly make complex concepts simple and intuitive to understand (with prose to match) in writing, but I can also present the same in front of crowds without preparation, nervousness, or hesitation. In just three years out of college, I regularly write documents that translate complex, technical subjects for C-suite members and am frequently tapped to host marketing events-including a talk at a recent user conference in front of 150+ industry professionals.I could not recommend the school more highly. It's had an outsized positive impact on my life-and even given me some of my best lifelong friends along the way.
5 6/21/2024
My son just finished second grade at Waterfront Montessori. He is always excited to go in the morning and even when I pick him up after school, he wants to stay! I see that he reads anything, all the time and that his vocabulary always surprises me! He has many friends and tells me about how he is able to work together. His teachers share with me how much he learns from his older classmates and he especially loves helping his younger friends, it's great that the classes are multi- age!
5 6/15/2024
I have only been a teacher at Waterfront Montessori School for a year, but in that time, I feel like I have become part of the family. Students, parents, and my fellow teachers have been incredibly welcoming and supportive. I enjoy coming to school each day to teach our students and to see how much they have grown and learned. And even though it seems like the end of the school year has come too fast, I am looking forward to having our 8th graders embark on the adventure of high school, well prepared to take on new challenges. And I am happy to know that I took part in their educational journey.
5 6/7/2024
Both of my sons graduated from Waterfront Montessori, one starting the school in 4th grade and the other in kindergarten. Along with a strong academic environment that prepared them for their transition into high school, the attention and care given to teaching them how to organize their time, collaborate with their peers on various projects, follow their interests, and give presentations with confidence and ease truly gave them skills for life. I appreciate each classroom environment that helped them develop their self-motivation, strong work ethic, and attitude that they are capable of trying anything! They both had a wonderful experience at Waterfront Montessori!
5 6/7/2024
Waterfront Montessori fosters an intense learning environment where students learn analytical and critical thinking skills. This environment is well-balanced with creativity, language acquisition, and health and wellness. Students are rigorously challenged in academia and in the arts.
5 6/7/2024
Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities - excellent, one of the best investments we've made. OUr kids entered Waterfront in the middle school. Academic rigor is so far beyond the rote assessment paradigm currently at play in the public schools. They are forced to learn in 360 degrees, in groups, through a wide array of assignment types. Parents have full access into everything. One of my kids has needed extra attention from us and the school which forced us to really dig into their learning management system (Manage Bac) and it's only deepened our appreciation for what is unfolding. We are not involved in after school programs though the Model UN experience was incredible. We found out about monthly jazz concerts when our kids mentioned it at dinner (we didn't realize the kids were being exposed to jazz sessions as part of their curriculum). School is about nurturing the whole child and should go beyond what tests can measure and Waterfront really hits the mark. The admin and teachers are always accessible, we've never had issues addressing concerns which is another reason we're so glad we chose this school. NO school is perfect, that's an unfair bar to expect, but a school that strives to continually improve via feedback and open door policy is what we wanted, and what we found at Waterfront.
5 5/31/2024
As parents of two children who have attended Waterfront Montessori from the Toddler program through Lower Elementary with one child and Middle School with the other, we are more than happy to offer a thorough review of our family's experience with the school. Our journey with Waterfront Montessori has been nothing short of transformative, not just for our children but for our entire family.Waterfront Montessori's dedication to the Montessori method is evident in every aspect of its curriculum and daily activities. The school's commitment to fostering independence, curiosity, and a love of learning in its students is clear from the Toddler program through to Middle School, consistently providing an education that is both comprehensive and deeply respectful of each child's learning journey.The teachers at Waterfront Montessori have been exceptionally caring, nurturing, and keenly observant of our children. As parents, we could not imagine anyone knowing our children as well as we do. We were truly amazed to witness their remarkable understanding of our children's strengths and challenges, thus creating an environment where our children feel seen, understood, and supported.The curriculum at Waterfront Montessori is rich and varied, offering a well-rounded education that includes core subjects along with art, Spanish, music, coding, physical education, and STEM. In Middle School, Montessori methods are seamlessly integrated with the IB Middle Years curriculum, covering subjects like language and literature, individuals and societies, science, math, design, Spanish, art, and health/PE.The annual two-week musical intensive for students in grades 1 through 8 is a highlight our children eagerly anticipate each year. This program gives them the chance to engage in all aspects of a musical production, providing a truly enriching experience. Additionally, the STEM fair offers our children excellent opportunities to connect with real-world problem-solving, sparking interests in areas we never anticipated.Our time at Waterfront Montessori has been incredibly positive. Our children have grown into confident, independent thinkers with a strong sense of responsibility and a love for learning. If you're considering a Montessori education for your child, I cannot recommend Waterfront Montessori highly enough-it has been instrumental in our children's development and is deeply cherished by our family.
5 5/31/2024
I am the owner of Premier Chess, which has run a program at Waterfront Montessori for 5 years now. I love working with the administration and seeing the students progress with their chess learning. 5 Stars School.
5 5/24/2024
My son goes to Waterfront Montessori for after school programs every year, it has been a very pleasant experience! It is awesome that the programs are open to the public! My son loves all the classes and teachers there, and asks me to register him back every term. I'm sure we will be here as long as we fit in the age group!
5 5/24/2024
A wonderful school to work for.
5 5/17/2024
Both my sons have been at the Waterfront Montessori since they were 3. My oldest is graduating from 8th grade this year! The Waterfront Montessori offers a great learning and nurturing environment for children. The teachers are true educators, focusing on academics, soft skills, life skills, independence, and instilling intellectual curiosity. The staff is very supportive, and the school has a great community atmosphere. As young pre-schoolers, my children developed strong linguistic and functional skills at a young age. When my oldest was applying to high school, the school counselor was very supportive and guided us throughout the process. The music and theatre curriculum is excellent and has been a tremendous compliment to my children's education. It has been a great decision for me to enroll and keep my children at the school. Strongly recommend!
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