Testimonials

Learning and working together gives us opportunities to learn about those different from us and also gain an appreciation for who we are as individuals. IMSchools’ students work towards recognizing, respecting and celebrating a rich diversity of cultures.  Each IMSchools campus brings together children and families from diverse backgrounds and creates participants and leaders in Montessori’s vision to create a new, peaceful world for our children.


Video Testimonial


Our child is starting her 2nd year at IMS and is thriving. She enjoys the large outdoor space and especially the interactions with the chicken coop! She loves her teachers and is learning a lot with the Montessori system. The teachers are always patient and cheerful, and our child wants to go to school everyday!

(IMS Paoli Parent)

The teachers and staff at IMS cultivate an engaging, nurturing learning environment where our three young children thrive. We started at IMS in 2017 and each of our kids has progressed through the infant, pre-primary, and primary classrooms. Our kids thoroughly enjoy going to school and have learned so much from their teachers.

Every day our joyful two-year-old runs to hug his teacher and comes home singing songs that he learned at school. Our energetic four-year-old can write his name and is starting to read. When our daughter started first grade at our local public school, she approached the experience with excitement and adapted seamlessly to the new routine. Her teachers at IMS fostered her love of learning and helped her to become a kind, confident, and capable person.  

Words cannot express how incredible the teachers and staff are at IMS. They are committed to making our children feel loved and respected and we, as parents, continue to learn from them every day. We are forever grateful to IMS and we highly recommend choosing to join the community. 

Lindsay Carrabine (IMS Malvern and IMS Paoli)

Our oldest started at IMS in 2018 when she was 18 months. She started her journey with IMS in the pre-primary class, as first time parents we were very happy with the warm & welcoming environment for the little ones. Teaching her how to navigate in the classroom & building loving friendships. When the pandemic hit we turned to a virtual program with IMS & it really allowed us to dive deep into the curriculum. I must say we were impressed with all the engaging and fun activities/ work they offered to the kids — we learned the Montessori way to incorporate at home. In 2021 we went back for in person and she was welcomed into the primary program with 3-6 year olds. She had a blast learning and growing with the teachers & classmates. We really enjoyed the Montessori way during her younger years of 18 months-5 years old. Our daughter always came home telling us what she learned, coming home with all the projects and work that shows the diverse program she is learning about — keeping her well rounded. They kept her advanced academically testing in 90th percentile. IMS challenged her to be a leader in the classroom & brought those experiences home. We are grateful to have found IMS and how they have prepared her for kindergarten!

Also, IMS offers a fun summer program that will keep them learning and having fun with their friends.

We highly recommend this school to all of our friends that are local to the area!!

Thank you IMS for giving us a great experience with such a supportive community


Our children both attended IMS from the time they were babies through kindergarten. IMS was a part of our family for those 10 years. We were so impressed with the teachers and how much our children learned at IMS. The focus on learning about diverse cultures and learning independence was wonderful. We also really enjoyed the events such as the Art Show and International Night! We are so sad our time at IMS is over, and our children still miss the school. IMS will always be a special part of our lives.

Liz and Mike Millard

We’ve been fortunate to have found IMS and send our 3 children to the school since infancy.  The staff is so attentive, loving, talented, and devoted to each child’s growth and well being.  We chose IMS in large part due to the smaller than typical head count in the infant room.  More of an in-home, hands-on type care which makes them feel like family.  Having now had a child attend all through the primary age, we can say that this same care continues through each classroom.  IMS embodies the Montessori philosophy while at the same time catering to each child and ensuring their comfort. It has been a joy to work with all members of the organization who maintain wonderful professionalism.

Hannah Coover (12/1/22)

Great Valley Campus

IMSchools are truly international and celebrate diversity in the true sense of its word, while bringing out the best in each child, allowing them to grow at their individual pace. Additionally, the emphasis on arts, music and yoga and variety of exposure and activities allows the children to be more expressive and confident. Our daughter started at Great Valley Montessori at age ten months. She was happy, well-cared for and thrived in the Montessori environment. I loved that they fostered independence but allowed her to develop and discover at her own pace. She is now at a different school, and we miss IMS very much!

Dutta Family

Our 10 month old daughter goes to IMS Great Valley and Silvia is a baby whisperer. Our daughter did not leave my side for the first five months of her life but really bonded with Silvia. She is truly a gem. While I miss my children during the day, I have absolutely zero worries about them and know that they are happy and well cared for.

IMS Family

Malvern Campus

We were referred here from a colleague of mine whose two kiddos are in the primary and toddler rooms. We chose to move our son to IMS last February from another daycare where he wasn’t doing very well. Within a few days he was a completely different kiddo – so much happier, less tired. That decision changed our lives and we haven’t looked back at all. In fact, our little guy (10 months) also joined IMS in the summer and is in the infant room. 

Heenan Family

Both our children have attended the IMS Malvern Montessori school and have developed so much as a result. They have learned independence, kindness, respect and most importantly a love of learning which they will take with them for the rest of their lives. The teachers are extremely caring, nurturing and patient. They take the time to get to know each child and steer their learning to encourage their curiosity and growth. We highly recommend it!

Johanna Baek (12/10/22)

Paoli Campus

I wanted to write since I wasn’t able to say good bye to anyone in person last week. We are so appreciative of everything that each teacher and team member did for [my son] over the last 4 years. There was always such a strong sense of love and learning in each classroom. We will miss all of you – and of course, continue to recommend your beautiful school to other families. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the patience, guidance, nurturing and education you shared with our son. With gratitude

Maryrose

I wish I had found this school for my oldest daughter. But am so happy and thankful I found it for my second. She has come a long way since she started at International Montessori Schools last year. She loves it and even goes to camp in the summertime with my oldest (who also loves it there). The variety of activities at her school have increased her independence and confidence more than words can say. She was very shy and quiet when she first started. Now she comes home telling me all about her friends and enjoys showing me what she has accomplished. Thank you to the international Montessori schools!

IMS Family

Our family has two children at the International Montessori School in Paoli and we couldn’t be happier! Our oldest daughter is currently enrolled in Ms. Melissa’s Elementary program after completing last year in Ms. Ghada’s Primary 2 classroom. We were thrilled to enroll our second born in Primary 2 this year after seeing how well our oldest did with Ms. Ghada and the other teachers. Our daughters love going to school everyday! We are so impressed by Ms. Melissa! She works tirelessly at individualizing the curriculum for each student and has great communication with the parents. The close community of learners that she is fostering has created strong bonds between the students. Our daughter is performing beyond our expectations and we know her love of learning has grown so much because of the attention she’s given from the wonderful staff. We are forever grateful that we found this gem of a school!

Rusnak Family

We’ve been extremely pleased with the elementary program at International Montessori Schools. Melissa (lead teacher) is everything you’d want in your child’s teacher; she is devoted to her students creativeness, challenges them and encourages them to follow their interests. She is clearly passionate about her teaching. The small class size has allowed our son to receive individualized, personalized instruction that has led him to grow leaps and bounds in reading, writing and math. Our son is thrilled to go to school and constantly tells us how much he loves Ms. Melissa.

Paluch Family

As a teacher, I was very concerned about finding the right childcare for my son. We toured IMS Paoli and immediately fell in love with the director and beautiful school. Our son loved the independence that a Montessori program provided and really thrived in the pre primary classroom. He had attended a traditional daycare previously and frequently cried throughout the day and was very unhappy when he had to go to school. He is now in the primary classroom and it is really amazing how independent, mature, and self motivated he has become. Our babysitter commented on his personality saying that he is more mature than a seven year old she babysits and I know it’s due to the Montessori environment.

IMS Family

I’ve had the pleasure of having both my children attend International Montessori Schools. Regardless of location, as both my children have attended various IMS schools, the quality of staff, lead teachers, and learning program is top-notch. We’ve had our children at other daycares before coming to IMS and we can say with no doubt in our minds that IMS has helped our children grow and develop immensely. Following Maria Montessori’s learning style, following the child has helped our children not only learn, but stay challenged, engaged, and curious. The caring staff are patient as our children worked through learning various units of study and developing socially and emotionally. The curriculum is vast, with students learning math, writing, reading, sensorial elements, world geography and holidays, foreign languages, yoga, the list goes on. The Paoli location even has a chicken coop and garden where children learn to care for plants and animals (as well as reap their benefits).

Aside from learning, the IMS school students and parents formed a lovely bond, making the children feel as if the school were an extended family. The school holds various after school events to bring children and families together. Children often invited each other to parties and get togethers outside of school as well.

During the pandemic they took a very conservative course of action, ensuring children were safe, especially as many in the school couldn’t be vaccinated given their young age. Masks were mandatory, as were staff vaccinations. Additionally, many families were considerate of others during this difficult time where all our actions are interrelated, impacting us all.

My children have become life-long learners, which is exactly what every child should become. I attribute most of this to IMS schools and laude them for this achievement. I would not hesitate to recommend them (and have) to any parent looking for a caring and educational place to send their children. If the school went up to 12th grade I would have kept my children there. Can’t say enough about the school, and we will miss it very much.

Christa M.

Royersford

Our daughter is in her first year at the International Montessori School at Royersford, and we are so pleased with her development. International Montessori offers a true Montessori education which encourages learning with all of her senses, fosters her inquisitive toddler nature, and teaches her to respect others and her environment. It’s amazing to see her self care skills. Her teachers are kind and attentive, and they treat her like the unique little person that she is. I would recommend this school to any parent who wants to see a love of learning blossom in their child. 

Caitlin Blazic (12/12/22)

West Chester Campus

Although my husband grew up in a Montessori environment, IMS West Chester was my first experience with the Montessori teaching style and culture.  It has been amazing to see our son develop independence and empathy in such a safe and nurturing environment.  From his first week in the Toddler class, the staff have engaged intentionally with our family to meet our needs and encourage our son’s development.  Now that he is in the Primary class, we’re experiencing growth through mentoring as older students are modeling behavior and learning alongside of our son.  It’s a joy to see him looking up to older students, but subsequently, encouraging younger students living out the behavior that’s been modeled for him.

Grace Family

Wilmington Campus

In the loving environment of International Montessori School, Wilmington campus, my daughter has blossomed into a curious, caring, independent individual. She really enjoys learning and is so excited about reading. Due to the Montessori structure and methods, I think [our daughter] is becoming well equipped to lead as she grows. Thank you!

Kamal Family

We love International Montessori School, Wilmington Campus for so many reasons. The teachers … they are amazing, welcoming and caring, and you can truly tell they love each one of these children and treat them like their own. We chose this school because of the warm feeling we immediately got from our first visit and the welcoming nature of Karen and all the teachers. The teachers made the transition to the school beyond easy because of their reassurance that “everything will be fine” … and it was (just a few minutes after we left each day that first week!) [Our son] continues to be excited to go to school everyday!

We absolutely love the Montessori program and the philosophy behind it. The practical life skills that [our son] has learned, his independence and “wanting to do things on his own” has grown tremendously! We are beyond happy with all the school has offered to [our son] so far and look forward to all of our children going to IMS, Wilmington! Thank you for all to do to keep [our son] safe and engaged in learning new skills on a daily basis.

Trait Family