children from three to six years old
Primary
As children grow, they move up room by room, staying with the same group of ages.
Explore PrimaryMontessori Primary in Essex, for ages three to six.
Helping children become eager, confident, capable, respectful, and contributing members of the community.
THE LITTLE DETAILSAges
children from three to six years old
HoursChildren arrive at school between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m.
A room for every age
As children grow, they move up room by room, staying with the same group of ages.
How we see children
Maria Montessori believed that young children, up to age six, had absorbent minds. They take in the world around them as if by osmosis. That is why the prepared environment matters so much here. Green Mountain Montessori is a nonprofit in a restored 1820s brick farmhouse in Essex town center.
Large sunny windows. Wide-board spruce floors. Learning stations set up for children to choose from, each holding its own work. A child reaches for a tray, carries it to a mat, and begins. The room is calm and orderly, built so a three to six year old can find what they need and put it back.
On any visit you may notice the quiet. Children work alone or in small groups, and a teacher kneels beside one child while others carry on. You may also notice how much is within reach. Shelves are low. Tools are child-sized. It is a room built to be used by the children themselves, which is exactly the point.
What a day looks like
Children arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 a. m. A teacher greets each one. Then the child finds work to begin, often a piece saved with their name card from the day before, alone or in a small group.
The day runs on a long, unhurried block of work, indoors or out. Children may work alone or with a small group. At 2:45, children get ready to go outdoors. The rhythm is predictable, so children know what comes next. If you have questions about lunch, rest, or outdoor time, ask on a tour and we will walk you through the details.
At 2:45 the children get ready to go outdoors. Most go home between 3:00 and 3:30. Others stay for the after school program. A parent at pickup hears what their child chose to work on.
How we work with families
At pickup, a teacher can tell you what your child worked on that day and how they spent their time outdoors. Questions about hours, tuition, or the before and after school programs can be asked at the door or brought to the office.
Settling in happens gradually, with a teacher nearby. Children first come to know the room, the routines, and a few familiar faces. Families can ask how the first weeks will go, and what to pack, when they visit.
How to join
01
Get in touch
Call (802) 879-9114 or email shireen.mcnabb@gmail.com to get in touch. Tell us your child's age and the days you need, and we will follow up with you about next steps and a visit.
02
Tour the room
See the classroom your child would join and meet the teachers who run it. Ask anything about the day while you are there.
03
Enroll and settle in
Complete enrollment and plan a first week that suits your child's routine. We will help you decide how to begin.
Good questions to ask first
What are the hours?
Children arrive at school between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m..
What ages do you take?
Children from children from three to six years old.
Can we visit before deciding?
Yes. An in-person tour is the best way to see the classrooms and meet the teachers. Children come along, and a visit usually includes time in the room to get a feel for the day.
What should my child bring on the first day?
Most families pack a spare set of clothes, a labeled water bottle, and a comfort item for the first days. Everything that goes home should have a name on it. The office will give you a short list before your child starts.
Do you offer part-time or flexible schedules?
Schedules depend on the age group and what openings we have. Ask the office what is available for your child's age, and they will tell you what fits.
What if there is no place right now?
Families can ask to be contacted when a place opens for their child's age. Tell the office your child's age and the days you need so we can reach you when something fits.