For 58 years, the Montessori School of University Heights has nurtured curiosity, confidence, and compassion in young children. Founded in 1968 by Betty and Jack Hissong, the school continues to thrive under the thoughtful guidance of Maria Wood, who carries on the founders’ vision with warmth and dedication.

“My two sons attended the school,” recalls Maria, now head of school. “While they were enrolled, I began working here as an assistant Montessori guide. I later completed my Montessori training and internship under Betty Hissong. When she retired in 1999, I was honored to become both lead guide and head of school.”

The school was originally housed in a rented space from the Cleveland Heights–University Heights school system. It later moved to the First Baptist Church on Fairmount Boulevard—technically in Shaker Heights but just across the street from University Heights. “When we moved to the Church of the Good Shepherd in 2000, I considered changing the name,” says Maria. “But parents urged me to keep it because of the reputation and name recognition the school had built, and the connection families feel to it.”

Learning at Their Own Pace
Today, the Montessori School of University Heights remains at its current location within the Church of the Good Shepherd, where it continues to lease space and maintain a strong partnership with the congregation. The one-class primary environment serves children ages 3–6, typically with about 30 children guided each day by four to five caring adults.

Children enter at age 3 and remain for three years, growing through the full Montessori cycle. Maria explains, “It’s important for children to enter at age 3 and remain for the entire three-year program. During these early years, children have what Dr. Montessori called the ‘absorbent mind’ and experience sensitive periods for learning. Those years are when the Montessori approach truly helps to develop a sound foundation for future learning and growth.”

A Montessori education encourages independence, hands-on learning, and respect for each child’s natural curiosity. At Montessori School of University Heights, these values are beautifully complemented by the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, which helps each child develop a loving relationship with God.

Special celebrations at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost are among the most memorable moments of the year. “The third-year children prepare the room, everyone dresses for the occasion, and they share activities such as dramatizing the nativity or the Last Supper,” says Maria. “The children bring food to share with those in need and then enjoy a feast together. Alumni often tell us these are among their fondest memories.”

A Close-Knit Community
The school’s small size and dedicated staff create a close-knit, family atmosphere where friendships flourish among children and parents alike. “Parents often linger on our playground and picnic area, sharing lunch and conversation,” says Maria. “That sense of community is something truly special.”

Staff longevity also contributes to that feeling of family. One of the current assistant Montessori guides is both an alumna and a former parent. “She likes to say she’s been here a very long time,” Maria laughs. “We’ve had other alumni and former parents serve as assistants, and that continuity makes our environment even warmer.”

Over the years, many alumni have returned to visit—or to enroll their own children. “Welcoming our alumni back as parents is one of our greatest joys,” Maria shares. “It’s a beautiful reminder of the lasting bonds that begin here.”

A Celebration of Creativity
Each year ends with a highlight that captures the spirit of the school: the annual play created entirely by the oldest children. They choose a book, make the scenery and puppets, memorize the story, and even compose an original song. The result is a joyful celebration of “creativity, cooperation, and confidence.”

From tentative 3-year-olds to self-assured 6-year-olds, every child at the Montessori School of University Heights is guided to grow at their own pace, in their own way, surrounded by care, faith, and belonging—a legacy that continues to flourish with every generation.