Montessori at Samish Woods

Montessori at Samish Woods serves 65 students from prekindergarten through sixth grade in Bellingham, Washington, offering a unique Montessori approach within the public school system. With just 8 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio of 8.1:1, allowing for individualized attention and the hands-on, self-directed learning that defines the Montessori method. The school receives a solid MySchoolScout rating of 7.7 out of 10 and ranks #204 out of 381 elementary schools statewide, placing it in the 47th percentile among Washington schools.

This small, specialized program provides families with an alternative educational philosophy while remaining part of the public school district. Located on Samish Way, the school serves a well-educated community where 50% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The surrounding neighborhood in the 98229 ZIP code has a median household income of $87,946 and median home values of $505,500, with a relatively low poverty rate of 9%.

The area's 34,157 residents enjoy the benefits of small city living in Bellingham, where families can access both educational opportunities and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

With an enrollment of 65 students, Montessori at Samish Woods is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

With a student-teacher ratio of 8.1:1, Montessori at Samish Woods offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.

As a private school, Montessori at Samish Woods operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.