Founded in the early 1970s, Forest Hills Montessori School (FHM) has served families in Queens for more than five decades. The school was established to provide a creative, stimulating environment where children could develop intellectually, artistically and emotionally. Today, the campus at 67‑04 Austin Street remains a fixture in Forest Hills. FHM prides itself on being a community school—many alumni now send their own children to the program, and parent involvement is strongly encouraged.
FHM serves students from age 2 through grade 6. Its programs are divided into:
* Preschool (Lower School) – A mixed‑age environment for children aged 2–5. Teachers act as guides, providing freedom within structure and allowing children to discover the world at their own pace. The environment is considered a “third teacher,” with thoughtfully designed materials encouraging independence and peer learning. Subjects include practical life, sensorial activities, language, math, science and social studies, with enrichment classes in music, French and yoga.
* Elementary (Upper School) – For kindergarten through grade 6, the elementary program continues the Montessori philosophy. Students build upon early foundations with increasingly abstract work in math, reading, writing and cultural subjects. Art and STEAM projects, French, music, yoga and physical education are woven into the curriculum. Teachers encourage public speaking and collaborative projects, and older students mentor younger ones.
FHM also offers after‑school programs and early/late care to support working families.
Forest Hills Montessori School does not publicly publish tuition figures. Families are encouraged to contact the school directly for current rates. Tuition assistance may be available on a limited basis.
The school is situated at 67‑04 Austin Street, Forest Hills, within walking distance of the 67th Avenue and Forest Hills–71st Street subway stations and the Long Island Rail Road. Classrooms are bright and airy, and there is outdoor space for play. The campus includes a library and dedicated art and music rooms. Being in a residential neighborhood allows children to explore local parks and community resources.
Head of School Sunlia Tejpaul leads FHM with a focus on individuality and community. Under her guidance, teachers engage in ongoing professional development. Many staff members have been with the school for over a decade, creating stability and deep understanding of the Montessori method. Specialists teach subjects like French, music, yoga and STEAM.
FHM’s mission is “to provide creative and stimulating intellectual, artistic, and developmental experiences” for children. Teachers respect each child’s pace and style of learning. In preschool, students experience freedom within limits, develop independence and learn through exploration. Elementary students dive deeper into academic subjects while continuing to work collaboratively and present their projects. The inclusion of French, yoga and STEAM ensures that children receive a well‑rounded education.
Overall aggregate rating: 4.3 / 5. FHM’s PrivateSchoolReview rating is 5.0/5 (one review) with praise for the school’s warm environment and long‑term staff. GreatSchools lists 12 reviews with an average of about 3.5/5, resulting in an overall aggregate rating around 4.3/5. Positive themes include small classes, attentive teachers and strong emphasis on character development. Some parents have expressed concerns about organization and communication. Snippets:
FHM has a rolling admissions policy. Families submit an inquiry form and schedule a tour and interview. Because classes fill quickly, early application is recommended. The school offers limited financial assistance to qualifying families.
FHM is a member of various Montessori associations, though it is not currently listed as AMS‑ or AMI‑accredited. It maintains affiliations with regional Montessori networks and emphasizes adherence to Montessori principles.
URL | accessed 2025‑07‑25
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FHM mission & program descriptions | 2025‑07‑25
FHM location & leadership | 2025‑07‑25
FHM reviews on GreatSchools | 2025‑07‑25