Welcome to Keene Montessori School!

Our Mission:

To foster and support independent, self-confident children using an active learning process based on the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori.  We encourage each child to be her own individual.

To encourage peaceful living through respect for others, turn taking, conflict resolution, good manners and respect and curiosity for diversity and cultures.

To provide a loving, nurturing and flexible community for families.  We strive to support the whole spectrum of family schedules and to act as a resource for a variety of topics.  We encourage family involvement as a component of an enhanced school experience.

We Believe:

Children are individuals who learn in different ways, at their own pace, through exploration, discovery, and creativity.

Grouping different aged children together encourages children to teach and help each other.

Curiosity and a lifelong love of learning should be encouraged and nurtured.

A connection to nature through natural materials, items found in nature and time outdoors is important.

Keene Montessori School Classrooms

Children from ages 18 months to 5 are active learners who learn through manipulation of objects. Our prepared environment with developmentally appropriate materials makes children eager to learn at their own pace. Each of our classrooms is a mix of ages and genders. The children help and learn from each other!

Our classrooms are divided into five areas:

  • Practical Life - Real life tasks including pouring, sorting, buttoning, zipping etc.
  • Sensorial - Helps children to develop and refine their senses by becoming more aware of details such as color, weight, shape, texture, size, sound, etc.
  • Language - Provides vocabulary development, writing skills, pre-reading and reading skills through sandpaper letters, movable alphabet and metal insets.
  • Math - Concrete materials are used to explore mathematical concepts.
  • Cultural - Geography, animals, customs help to develop an awareness and appreciation for other cultures.

Tables and chairs are child-size. Shelves are low and within reach of the children. They also work on small mats on the floor where they are naturally comfortable.

Parents should understand that a Montessori school is neither a baby-sitting service nor a play school that prepares a child for a traditional kindergarten. Rather, it is a unique cycle of learning designed to take advantage of the child's sensitive years between 18 months and five, when she can absorb information from an enriched environment. A child who acquires the basic skills of reading and arithmetic in this natural way has the advantage of beginning her education without drudgery, boredom or discouragement. By pursuing her individual interests in a Montessori classroom, she gains an early enthusiasm for learning, which is the key to her becoming a truly educated person. (taken from A Parents' Guide to the Montessori Classroom)

Highlights of our school:

  • Dedicated, experienced staff who are certified in First Aid and CPR.
  • Toddler andPreschool programs for children beginning at 18 months.
  • Summer Camp is fun-filled with different themes throughout the program.
  • Licensed by the State of New Hampshire.
  • Founded in 1978.
  • Spacious facility built specially for young children.
  • Fenced-in area for outside play.
  • Located off of Main Street in Keene, New Hampshire.

Contact Information

Phone: Sarah MacDonald, Director

125 Railroad Street

Keene, NH 03431

603.352.4052
Email: smacdonald@keenemontessorischool.org