Lead Primary II Teacher
Prepared environments for absorbent minds
A nonprofit Montessori school in a restored 1820s farmhouse in Essex, serving children three to six.
How we see children
We hold to the beliefs and guiding philosophy of Maria Montessori. She saw that young children, up to about age six, have what she called absorbent minds. They take in information from their surroundings as if by osmosis. That makes the classroom itself, what Montessori called the prepared environment, a matter of real importance.
History and beauty meet with practicality inside our school. Large sunny windows and wide-board spruce floors lead the children into the classroom. Learning stations wait for their creativity and energy. Teachers guide each child toward becoming responsible, independent and creative, aware and proud of who they are.
What you notice in practice
Teachers watch what draws a child and bring the next material forward. A lesson is often given quietly, at eye level, to one child or a small group. Children repeat work until they have it, without being hurried along. The goal is an eager, confident, capable and respectful child.
The rooms are settled and calm, arranged so children can choose and return their own work. Materials sit on open shelves at their height. Large windows and wide-board floors keep the space bright and warm. The day moves in long stretches of work, with a natural pause to go outdoors at 2:45.
How we work with families
At pickup, teachers can tell you what your child worked on that day. You can ask about the classroom, the schedule, or how your child is settling in. Questions about tuition, scholarships, Child Care Resource payments, or Act 166 funding are answered by staff. In addition to our primary program, we offer before school and after school programs during the school year.
If you think the Montessori setting suits your child, it is never too early to apply. Applications up to one year before the intended start are placed at the top of the interest list. Enrollment begins in March of the active school year and continues until spaces are filled.
The people here every day
Assistant Teacher