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About Princeton Montessori

Nurturing Potential. Igniting Passion.

The heart of our philosophy is not only to educate, but to develop a quest for lifelong learning and responsible, caring and capable individuals.

A Princeton Montessori School education creates the building blocks for a healthy and happy whole person and provides the foundation for a purposeful, responsible, and fulfilling life. We nurture the potential and ignite a passion for learning within each child.

Princeton Montessori School was founded in 1968 and is an independent, coeducational day school dedicated to the highest quality education of children, from infancy through middle school, according to the values and principles of the Montessori philosophy. Our community of approximately 200 families from the greater Princeton area is committed to providing a Montessori education for their children and shares the core values of our community.

Five cornerstone multi-age programs are offered: Infant (through 18 months), Toddler (through three years), Primary (through kindergarten), Elementary (through fifth grade), and Middle School (through eighth grade). Enriching before and after-school offerings and stimulating summer programs are also offered.

“We nurture the potential in each child. Our students learn to think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly—a skill set for the 21st century and beyond.”

Andrea O'BrianHead of School

Princeton Montessori School’s approach to education is centered around the following core values which guide our interactions with children every day:

Our teachers respect each child as a unique individual. We view children as naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully-prepared learning environment. It is an approach that values the human spirit and the development of the whole child.

We understand that not all children learn at the same pace. The Montessori curriculum is personalized to the needs of the student, which leads to children feeling confident in their abilities.

We believe that education is a partnership between families, parents, and the child. Parent education classes are conducted throughout the year to support parents.

Independence and competence lead to self-confidence. These are the first steps in developing creative thinkers and confident learners. These skills are nurtured and developed in all programs through hands-on learning experiences and guided practice for mastery.

Character development is a central focus within the curriculum. Peace and conflict resolution are practiced daily as children learn to be part of a warm, respectful, and supportive community.

Students are supported in becoming active seekers of knowledge. Education should be the lighting of a spark—igniting of a passion—from within. Children learn through hands-on activities and experiences, not through rote memorization. Teachers create purposeful environments where students have the freedom and the tools to pursue answers to their own questions.

Our Mission Statement

Princeton Montessori School is dedicated to developing passion and nurturing the potential in each child, through the values and principles of the Montessori philosophy. We promote intrinsic motivation, independence, social responsibility, and a love of learning so that as global citizens, our students can lead fulfilling lives and work to better the world.

Our Commitment to a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive Community

Princeton Montessori School is committed to being a community where children, families, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, identities, and perspectives are united in their efforts to maintain a respectful, inclusive, diverse, and equitable community of learners.  Montessori education has always placed value on the uniqueness of each individual and sought to develop lifelong learners who are in pursuit not only of their passions but of a common good for all and good stewardship of our planet. We believe our community is broadened, strengthened, and enlightened by diversity in all its forms—including thought, race, religion, identity, passions, and challenges. This belief is inherent in the values and principles of the Montessori philosophy.

These Montessori tenets include:

  • A deep respect for all life and for childhood particularly
  • A quest to make the world a better place through the development of each generation
  • A sense of responsibility for the earth and all who inhabit it
  • A commitment to community through engagement, deep listening, and sharing

Vision Statement

As we look to the future of the school, we envision a thriving, accessible, and diverse institution that is exceptional, progressive, increasingly environmentally sustainable; and grounded in the philosophy of Montessori and best educational practices. Our future community of learners and their parents will be connected, equally dedicated, and supportive of the organization and its constituents. The strategic work we do in the coming years will be to this end.

Value Statement

Princeton Montessori School is committed to providing an inclusive and diverse community and learning experiences that challenge us to appreciate differences and act in a way that is inclusive and respectful to all.

We will provide our students with the learning experiences and information to gain skills to face the environmental and sustainability issues that are humanity’s greatest challenges.

 Sustainability Commitment Statement  Link

Our Students...

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What Parents Are Saying

The other day I came downstairs and my 4-year-old son was listening to 'Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart' on Alexa. He told me that Mozart's dad was named Leopold and his sister was Nannerl (it took him a second to remember her name and it sounded made up, so my husband and I googled it. Sure enough he was right). We asked what else he had been learning and he rattled off Antonio Lucio Vivaldi’s full name and referenced The Four Seasons. I think my jaw is still on the floor. It turns out that the Primary children have been learning about composers this fall and listening to their music. What incredible exposure for these young children!

Princeton Montessori is the very epitome of the principles of Maria Montessori. The School offers a nurturing, creative, academic, and well-rounded development for each child. As a parent, we cannot offer our daughter a more valuable first gift.

The faculty are, bar none, the absolute best. The teachers are very knowledge both about the Montessori philosophy and the best ways to work with children. I ask for their advice and insight for any issues we’re having at home, quite often. They’re also incredibly warm and nurturing with the children in a way I have not seen at any other school.

I’m struck by how much better the Montessori toddlers are at playing and working peacefully with their peers than toddlers in other nursery school programs. I credit the gifted PMonts teachers, and the Princeton Montessori educational approach, for how confident, happy, and collaborative toddlers in the PMonts program seem.

Our son is so proud of being a third-year Primary. He has attended this incredible school since he was one year old. He had absolutely wonderful Toddler teachers and flourished under their care. Now, he is a third-year Primary and we know he will be more than ready for Lower Elementary. Thank you to all the Teachers & Staff!

The school runs with one philosophy and so every faculty member and admin personnel share the same vision for the child. This consistency is unique in our area to Princeton Montessori. Combined with the integration of the teacher training program, we can proudly say that the spirit of Dr. Montessori’s principles permeates every aspect of our school. That’s what I value the most about our school!

Education is both a gift and a right. I feel the teachers at PMonts help our children to appreciate the value of their education. Understanding the value involves looking beyond school and appreciating how education is a tool that will allow them to explore challenging goals, to grow as individuals and most importantly, chase their dreams.

This is our first year at Princeton Montessori and my daughter is in the toddler program. It’s been nothing short of amazing. Teachers are phenomenal and my daughter has learned so much already!

I will never cease to be amazed at the capabilities of the young child. In the Montessori environment, the very youngest students show incredible independence and competence. At Princeton Montessori School the teachers truly help the children to “help me do it myself”.

When I think about my personal philosophy on education I can check all the boxes with regards to the education my daughter is receiving at Princeton Montessori. I feel the teachers motivate the students by focusing on appreciating the value of education and the diversities of peoples around the world while stressing and leveraging the power of the uniqueness in each individual student. Ultimately, the role of an educator is to shape a new generation that will create a safer and better world for the future.

Princeton Montessori School is a school that exceeds any expectations imaginable. The school follows each and every child on an individual basis and nourishes each child’s academic, social, and emotional needs. It is a school where teachers appreciate all unique qualities each child brings.

Our daughter loves being at school. She confidently reported that she was happy with the safety measures in place, and that she felt “safe” at school. This was HUGE.

Princeton Montessori School turned out to be the best investment ever. We made some sacrifices in our lifestyle in order to be able to afford sending both children all the way through 8th grade, but now we are proud to note that we have two capable, confident, well-mannered young adults who are a pleasure to be around and who continue to love to work hard in their studies.

EXCEPTIONAL is the carefully chosen word to describe Princeton Montessori School. Our family has been part of the PMonts community from elementary through middle school. If I could give every child a gift that gift would be for them to experience the joy of learning every single day at PMonts. The multi-age classes provide the advantage of older students leading younger students and younger students watching the wonderful examples of the older children. The children recognize the strengths of others as being positive and not competitive. Princeton Montessori is much more than academic college prep - it is life prep!

Our child previously attended a reputable public elementary school. During that time, she often complained that she was bored at school. I was concerned that the school's 'one-size-fits-all' education model was gradually dimming her thirst for knowledge. I wanted the flames of her engagement and curiosity to be fanned, not extinguished. She is now back at Princeton Montessori and I am happy to report that she is no longer bored. In fact, her inner flame has never been stronger!

Our daughter has been in the infant center for only six months, but we believe it has been the most transformative and influential time of her life. The Infant Center teachers planted a little seed in our daughter’s heart, and it has grown and blossomed into a beautiful, resilient flower with their warm love and care. ...We have observed her world expanding astronomically, filled with beautiful memories of her teachers and friends. We have been thoroughly impressed and constantly reassured by the quality of education and care the teachers provide.

We have always been thrilled with our PMonts experience, and this fall term has sent us through the roof. We are in awe of the tireless work of the faculty and administration, who have made possible such an inspiring in-person program. I have always been broadly grateful for the PMonts education my children have been so lucky to receive; this summer and fall, I felt grateful each and every day.

As a parent (and faculty member), Molly and I are beyond grateful for PMonts. Our children are SO happy here. I am more of a believer than ever before. Miles was fine at his public school but the difference is really clear - here, he is not just fine - he is totally thriving and so happy! I'm amazed.

"Princeton Montessori School students are open to diverse backgrounds, curious to learn new things, strong in their leadership and presentation skills, and confident. Thank you for providing an educational environment that encourages a child's total development. We know it is an incredible gift." -Middle School Parent

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