Parent Participation

Parents show their commitment to their child’s education by actively involving themselves in the school’s extension and immersion programs.

Parent-Teacher Conferences and Workshops

Parents are expected to regularly participate in workshops and conferences.  Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled twice a year.  They focus on the child’s development at home and school and aim to maximize opportunities for the child’s growth and development.

A planning Workshop is held at the beginning of the school year to schedule extra-curricular activities.  Two Parent Workshops/Lecture Series are scheduled during the school year.  The first is a workshop on the Montessori Approach; the second is aimed at enhancing skills in child rearing.  Small group sessions are occasionally held to plan cultural projects.

Development Committee

The Development Committee is a Parent Committee in charge of planning and coordinating extra-curricular activities.  The following sub-committees plan and organize activities around its functions:  Communications Committee, Extra-Curricular Committee, and Fundraising Committee.

Tax Credit Committee

The Tax Credit Committee is in charge of clarifying and disseminating information about the Arizona Tax Credit.

Drivers/Chaperones

Parents volunteer to act as drivers/chaperones for the students’ field trips.

Resource Persons

Parents are regularly invited to share their expertise with the students.  This is one venue where the students learn about the professions of their parents and expand their understanding of the world and their potential for service in the community.

Community Resource

Montessori West is continuously tapping professional resources to help students develop awareness of people that help move and shape the community.  Our parents are our leading resource persons.  Doctors, engineers, nurses, firemen, teachers, builders, and astrophysicists are only some of the professionals that are periodically invited to help our students explore and discover.


"Nothing succinct ever came to mind when I thought about describing the past four years…it has been all encompassing, almost spiritual experience….so instead we decided to share these words that will always remind us of Montessori West. Family, Friends, A Community, Love, Change, Growth, Metamorphosis, Respect, God, Togetherness, A Special Place, Chicken Adobo, Virtues, A Strong Foundation, Mother Earth, Science Projects, Christmas Pageants, More Science Projects, Cora Gaabucayan, Mrs. Rose, Excursions, Commitment, Field Trips, Special Friendships, Smiles, Laughter, Tears, Enriching, Childhood, Challenges,, Joys, Triumphs, Victory, Rewarding, Kai, Kelsi, Blessings. No, we cannot put our experience as parents here at MW into one word or even two minutes, but all we know is that we will carry the spirit of Montessori West within us long after both of our children have graduated from here.  We thank you, Mrs. Gaabucayan for giving us and our children the opportunity and we thank God for giving us the experience."

Frank and Nicole Gittens