Fast Facts
History
Founded by Aline and Gerald Wolf in 1961, our name was derived from the uniting of “Pennsylvania” and Montessori.” Penn-Mont was the first Montessori school in Pennsylvania and the third in the nation.
Our Facility
Our campus is located in Hollidaysburg (built in 2001) and spans across 5 acres. The 30,000 sq.ft, two-story school building is equipped with a library, music, art and makerspace (STEM) rooms, a multi-purpose room, astronomy tower, three level-appropriate outdoor play areas, and a 2.5 acre nature inspired outdoor classroom with trails, pavilion, summer gardens, kite field, and several play areas.
School Structure
Penn-Mont Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-sectarian, private, Montessori school governed by a Board of Trustees.
Diversity Statement
Penn-Mont Academy believes that educational excellence requires a diverse community. We are committed to a learning environment that fosters peace, embraces diversity and encourages a diverse population.
Enrollment & Statistics
Enrollment-
Current enrollment is over 200 students. We accept children 6 weeks through 12 years of age.
Student / Adult Ratio –
- Infant (6 weeks – 18 mons): Child to adult ratio is 4:1
- Toddler (18 – 36 months): Student to adult ratio is 5:1
- Preschool (3-6 years, including Kindergarten): Student to adult ratio is 10:1
- Elementary (1st – 6th grades): Student to adult ratio is 12:1
Financial Assistance Distribution
Approximately 29% of students receive financial assistance through scholarships. Scholarships are available for preschool through elementary.
Special Programming Offered
Special Classes-
All school age children (Kindergarten – 6th grade) receive Art, Music, STEM/Makerspace Physical Education and Library.
Spanish-
All children (3 years – 12 years) receive Spanish instruction.
Before and After Care-
Before and after care is available for families with children enrolled at Penn-Mont. A yearly subscription plan is available, as well as a limited number of drop-in spots each day.
Summer Programs-
A nine-week summer enrichment program is offered.
After School Programs
Preschool After School-
Music enrichment for preschoolers is offered after regular school hours.
Elementary After School
• Chorus, Band, Orchestra (Currently not offered due to COVID-19)
• Private Music Lessons (piano and other instruments)
• Yoga, Fencing, Arts, Crafts, Organized Games, Book Club & more! (Activities currently limited due to COVID-19)
Faculty
Penn-Mont Academy Lead Teachers hold an American Montessori Society credential appropriate for the ages/levels they teach. Extensive post-graduate education in child development, Montessori curriculum and philosophy is required to be credentialed as a Montessori teacher.
Accreditation
- American Montessori Society (AMS)
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA)
- National Council for Private School Accreditations (NCPSA)
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) designated Keystone Stars Level 4
Memberships
- North American Montessori Teacher’s Association (NAMTA)
- Pennsylvania Childcare Association
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- American Montessori Society (AMS)
- Pennsylvania Montessori Alliance
- Greater Pittsburgh Montessori Society
- Blair County Chamber of Commerce (including Early Childhood and Non-Profit committee memberships)
- Local Rotary Clubs
