Principal Amber C. Simpson
“It is an honor to serve the students, families, and staff of Pleasant Ridge Montessori School. Since becoming principal in 2019, I have had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional school community to build upon our tradition of excellence. Together, we are committed to creating an inclusive, student-centered environment where every child is known, valued, challenged, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.
At Pleasant Ridge Montessori, we believe that strong partnerships among students, families, staff, and the community are essential to student success. Guided by the Montessori philosophy of educating the whole child, we strive to cultivate curiosity, independence, leadership, and a lifelong love of learning. I am proud of all we have accomplished together and look forward to continuing our work to ensure every student thrives academically, socially, and emotionally.” ~ Amber Simpson
Amber C. Simpson has served as the principal of Pleasant Ridge Montessori School since 2019. She has been employed by Cincinnati Public Schools since 1999 and has dedicated her career to serving students as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and district leader.
Since joining Pleasant Ridge Montessori, Mrs. Simpson has led the school through a period of continued growth and innovation. Under her leadership, the school has strengthened student achievement, expanded opportunities for innovative teaching and learning, and deepened partnerships with families and the community. In 2024, Pleasant Ridge Montessori celebrated the opening of its expanded facility, creating additional learning spaces to support its growing enrollment. She has also partnered with the Pleasant Ridge Montessori Foundation and the school community to enhance the campus through the first phase of the playground renovation project, including relocating the school’s garden and installing a new multipurpose pitch field that expands opportunities for outdoor learning and recreation.
A proud graduate of Cincinnati Public Schools, Mrs. Simpson attended Sands Montessori and Withrow University High School before returning to the district as an educator. She taught in CPS Montessori schools from 2001 to 2013, then served as an assistant principal at Rees E. Price Academy and as principal of Rothenberg Preparatory Academy. Her passion for Montessori education and unwavering commitment to educational excellence continue to guide her leadership at Pleasant Ridge Montessori.
Mrs. Simpson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Kentucky State University, completed her Montessori 9-12 credential through Xavier University, earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati, and holds a PreK-12 Superintendent License from Xavier University.
