Montessori Children's Community
Sewickley, PA
For children ages 3 years through the Sixth Grade.

Montessori Children’s Community is located in the heart of the village of Sewickley, Pennsylvania on the banks of the Ohio River. We offer two Children’s House classes (ages 3-6) and two Elementary classes (grades 1-6). The school provides a nurturing learning environment for children based on Dr. Maria Montessori’s commitment to “follow the child.”

We invite you to learn more about our school on the following pages, and by making an appointment to visit.

Montessori schools share a common philosophy and classroom materials, but each school is unique. Your firsthand observation is invaluable in making the best decision about school for your child.

Welcome to Quaker Valley School District
visit us on line at www.qvsd.org

The Quaker Valley School District is located along the Ohio River 12 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Residents have easy access to major highways and the Pittsburgh International Airport.
Our community is diverse, including various ethnic, racial and socioeconomic populations. Our stable population includes third and fourth generation Q.V. families, as well as those who have come to us not only from other states, but from other countries. We embrace this diversity as an opportunity for cultural understanding and exchange. As a result, our schools mirror the cohesive, small-town atmosphere of the community they serve.

We are a small district with a reputation for quality. School and class sizes allow for a personal approach to instruction. Quaker Valley recognizes that it takes a cumulative experience of excellence to produce students who will be internationally competitive. To that end, an innovative curriculum challenges all students to excel as independent thinkers and learners, and gives each the support and incentive to do so successfully.

We are honored to have had all four of our schools selected for National Blue Ribbon Awards of Excellence. In 2001, as the winner of a statewide competition, Quaker Valley was designated a Pennsylvania Digital School District. It is part of a pioneering multi-million dollar initiative by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to create a model of education that illustrates how the information revolution can be harnessed to create a digital education revolution.

In 2005, Quaker Valley High School was ranked in the top 2 percent of all high schools in the U.S. by Newsweek Magazine, and among the best 100 schools in the nation for music education.

In 1999, Quaker Valley Middle and High Schools were certified by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme for grades six through 10, making it one of the first 15 certified IBMYP programs in the United States and the first in Pennsylvania.

Typically 90% of our seniors take the SAT. In 2003-04 they achieved a combined score of 1082, a new high. An average 90% of graduating seniors go on to higher education. Advanced Placement courses are offered in ten subjects: English Literature, Calculus, German, Spanish Language, U.S. History, European History, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science, and many other AP courses are offered online. Percentage of participation and scores of 3 or above are significantly higher than the state average.

Quaker Valley welcomes inquiries by families considering relocation to our community. Call 412-749-3623 for information.

Four Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence




The Blue Ribbon, the most prestigious education award in the country, distinguishes schools for excellence in leadership, teaching, curriculum, student achievement, parent involvement and community support. All four QV schools have been named Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence.

Early Childhood Department
Helping Young Children Grow and Learn Through Hands-on Discovery - -

Early childhood is an important time. Children have special social, emotional, and cognitive characteristics. Our professionals are trained in early childhood education and child development.

LAUGHLIN CENTER PRESCHOOL

Laughlin Center Preschool offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum based on the child's need to learn through play. It prepares a child for more formal schooling by addressing the development of skills and promoting a child's self-esteem. Class size is limited.

We are accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs and licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The teachers are qualified with appropriate education backgrounds and experience working with young children. You are welcome to schedule a time to visit our preschool.

Established in September, 1980, in the basement of the Sewickley United Methodist Church, the Learning Tree Preschool was to fill a community need for an educational program for children of the area.

A core group of women from the SUMC formed the board of directors and created a non-denominational environment where children could play with one another; learn about art, music, and dance; and be introduced to preschool academics.

The Learning Tree Preschool has been asked on numerous occasions to financially assist families who wished to send their children to the preschool. In response to these requests, the board of directors established the Irene Devine Scholarship Fund, in memory of one of its founding board members.

OUR MISSION
At Noah’s Ark, we address the needs of each individual child within a secure, loving, Christian environment by...
Enhancing the development of each
child’s self-esteem
Enlivening the spiritual dimension of each
child within a Christian context
Enabling the child’s physical capabilities through physical education and games
Equipping and Educating the child in a variety
of cognitive skills
Encouraging appropriate social skills as the child interacts with both teachers and classmates and by
Enjoying the total learning and playing environment.

Noah’s Ark I
The primary goal of Noah’s Ark I is to provide fundamental social interactions with peers and adults. This Tuesday/Thursday morning three year old program consists of free play, and “circle time” which includes stories, singing, finger plays and basic communication skills. The teacher-to-child ratio is not more than 1:7. A child must be potty trained before entering the three years old on or before January 1 of the following year to attend.

Noah’s Ark II
Our four year old program provides a wide range of play and learning experiences. Including open ended art, dramatic play, leader day, music, manipulative play and read aloud stories. A balance of child initiated and teacher directed activities help to prepare each child for future growth and development. During the second half of the school year students begin printing their first name and are introduced to the alphabet. They will learn to print letters using both upper and lower case.

This Monday, Wednesday, Friday morning and afternoon class has a teacher-to-child ratio of no more than 1:8. A child must be four years old on or before January 1 of the following year to attend Noah’s Ark II.

Noah’s Ark III
Weekly enrichment days or field trips described in part the distinctiveness of our five year old prekindergarten program. This fun environment includes creative free play where appropriate social behaviors are gained through interaction with peers. “Circle time” provides opportunities for both public speaking and developing listening skills.

Individual attention is given in mastering important kindergarten readiness skills such as addition, printing of first and last name, beginning sight words, vowel sounds and blends. Children are also introduced to a foreign language. This Tuesday through Friday morning and afternoon class has a teacher-to-child ratio of not more than 1:9. A child must be five years old on or before January 1 of the following year to attend Noah’s Ark III.