Mt. Alvernia Montessori Preschool is committed to the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. Montessori education offers a positive environment where each child is free to choose materials appropriate to her/his interests and development level. Self-motivation and inner discipline in this prepared environment are highly encouraged. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline and a love of knowledge.

Since our beginning, education has been a major focus of the Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale. In 1989, St. Francis Montessori School was established at the former St. Francis Medical Center under the direction of Sister Mary Meyer, a certified Montessori teacher. The school offered a quality educational program for children of hospital personnel. With the closing of the medical center in 2002, the school remained viable and moved to the nearby Motherhouse campus at Mount Alvernia.

The school serves children of all religious faiths, personal creeds and ethnic backgrounds in a loving environment, enhanced by the values of respect and justice.