Montessori · Preschool to Grade 8 · Oxford, Ohio
Developing happy,
independent learners.
McGuffey Montessori School fosters independence, confidence and creativity in a warm and welcoming environment. Our hands-on, whole-child approach supports each student’s unique qualities and learning style, for a learning experience that is compelling, effective and fun.
- Low student-to-teacher ratio
- Hands-on exploration and discovery
- Outdoor learning and field trips
- Before and after care available
- Founded in 1983Started by staff and parents of the Miami University Lab School.
- Preschool to Grade 8One continuous Montessori journey under one roof.
- Small classesA low student-to-teacher ratio and individual instruction.
- EdChoice eligibleOhio families with K–8 students can apply for EdChoice.
Why families choose McGuffey
A solid basic education, with a twist.
In class after class you will find secure academic structure with supported spontaneity. You will hear the exuberance of discovery, see the flash of insight, and feel the thrill of real learning in progress.
A personalized, flexible approach
Students progress at their own developmental pace. Teachers work with each child’s unique gifts and learning style, and mixed-grade study partners complement individual instruction.
Hands-on exploration and discovery
Kindergartners run complex science experiments. Older students take on interactive science and real-life industrial arts. Learning here means touching, building and doing.
Learning far beyond the classroom
Extensive field trips to natural areas and museums, four days at Glen Helen Outdoor School for the Upper Unit, and middle schoolers who plan the details of their own trip to Washington, DC.
A friendly, collaborative community
Children learn respect, courtesy, cooperation and problem-solving alongside friends of all ages, with workshops from visiting and resident artists and creative contributions from the wider Oxford community.
Our programs
Four classrooms. One continuous journey.
From the Primary classroom all the way to Middle School, children grow within one school, one set of values and one community that knows them well.
Preschool & PreK
Primary
A prepared, nurturing environment where young children build independence and explore the world beyond home, choosing their own work each day.
- Child-sized tools and spaces that build independence
- Hands-on sensorial, language and math materials
- A community of respect, courtesy and cooperation
Learning to learn
Lower Elementary
Reading, writing, oral language, math and social skills, built through experiential, hands-on work at each child’s own pace.
- Reading taught to each child’s learning style
- Orton-Gillingham reading and spelling in Grades 1–3
- Early science and social studies foundations
The Upper Unit
Upper Elementary
Confident readers and writers pursue their own interests alongside the curriculum, using real-life materials in geography and science.
- Fractions, geometry, algebra and problem solving
- Oral and visual presentations of their work
- Music, art, foreign language and PE
High-school ready
Middle School
A rigorous program that blends Montessori and traditional approaches, building the study habits students need for any high school.
- Algebra, Honors Algebra and Honors Geometry
- Genetics, physics and world history
- Students lead the school-wide musical
Wondering which classroom is right for your child? Book a tour and we will walk you through it. Before and after care is available too.
Our story
Built by teachers and parents who believed in a better way to learn.
When the Miami University Lab School closed in 1983, a handful of its staff and parents founded McGuffey Foundation School. Today, McGuffey Montessori School is a privately run school educating students from preschool through Grade 8.
Innovative academic programs, a low student-to-teacher ratio, hands-on exploration, extensive field trips and creative contributions from the larger community make the McGuffey learning experience unique, compelling, effective and fun.
“Imagine a place where your child is always greeted warmly and made to feel welcome, and where you feel confident your child has fallen in love with learning.”
From our families
Hear it from our parents and graduates.
The experience we had at McGuffey exceeded all of our expectations. You have created a school environment that feels so warm and bright and it makes the transition seamless for our daughter’s first year of school. McGuffey is a special place and we are going to miss you all.
At McGuffey I was in a position where I could learn much faster due to the more personal nature of how they taught. Anytime I got stuck on something I could simply ask for help, and if I didn’t need help there was always more to learn once I finished my work.
Admissions
Come see McGuffey for yourself.
We have openings for Preschool through Grade 8. Tell us a little about your family and we will reach out to schedule your tour.
- 1Send an inquiryFill in the short form and we will be in touch to arrange your visit.
- 2Tour the schoolSpend about an hour touring with an administrator. See the classrooms at work and get every question answered.
- 3Apply and visitSubmit an application, observe in your child’s classroom, and your child spends a visit day with us.
Request a tour
Share a few details and we will follow up to schedule your visit.
Open in Google Maps →Visit us
In Oxford, Ohio, minutes from Miami University.
A welcoming school community for families across Oxford and the surrounding area.
- Address
- 5128 Westgate Drive
Oxford, OH 45056 - Hours
- School day 9:00am to 3:30pm
Extended care 7:30am to 5:30pm
Questions parents ask
Good to know before you visit.
What ages and grades do you serve?
We educate students from preschool through Grade 8 across our Primary, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary and Middle School programs. PreK families can choose full-time, three-day or two-day options.
What are your school hours?
The school day runs from 9:00am to 3:30pm, with a 2:45pm dismissal on Wednesdays. Car line drop-off begins at 8:45am.
Do you offer before and after care?
Yes. Before care runs from 7:30am for Kindergarten through Grade 8, and after care is available to all students from dismissal until 5:30pm, with outdoor time, art, mixed-age play and set homework time for older students.
Is financial help available?
Ohio families with students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 can apply for the EdChoice scholarship. Limited needs-based financial aid is also available for K–8 students through TADS.
Will my child be ready for high school?
Our Middle School blends Montessori and traditional approaches, including grading, online assignments and testing, and builds organization, time management, note-taking and essay writing so students are prepared for any high school.
How does enrollment work?
Start with the inquiry form above. We will invite you for a tour with an administrator, then you can apply online, observe in your child’s future classroom, and schedule a visit day for your child.
A lifelong love of learning begins at McGuffey.
We would love to meet your family. Book a tour and see what makes the McGuffey learning experience unique.
McGuffey Montessori School5128 Westgate Drive, Oxford, OH 45056 · (513) 523-7742
A privately run Montessori school educating students from preschool through Grade 8 since 1983.