Student Services

Serving every child

At Princeton Montessori School, we are committed to meeting the needs of each student to the best of our abilities. Foremost in meeting this promise is that our school offers a learning environment at each stage of childhood that allows for some degree of personalization, choice, and one-on-one attention from trained educators. This also includes facilitating formal reading screenings to monitor each student’s development in reading, to identify students needing additional help, and to inform the teachers’ instruction. Students in the third year of Primary (Kindergarten) through sixth grade will be tested three times each school year using the Dynamic Indicator of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS).

Our Student Services Coordinator oversees the application of our services at each level and works with Program Coordinators, families, and support service providers to tailor a learning plan for children when needed. We provide student screenings and support services through our affiliation with Dr. Noble and Associates.

If we cannot fully meet a child’s educational and psychological needs at Princeton Montessori School, we meet with parents to inform them and to support a transition process to another educational institution for their child. We are committed to the highest standard of ethics regarding our promise to children and families to do our very best for those who are able to take full advantage of a Montessori education and to handle all communication with students and parents with respect and confidentiality.

Jennifer Christiano-Boyle

Jennifer is our Student Services Coordinator and her work includes supporting teachers and families in obtaining resources needed to meet the needs of students as well as being a liaison for Dr. Noble’s team and other service providers. She also administers reading screenings for all students in Kindergarten through 8th grade and maintains a connection with all students and is a support to faculty.

Jennifer earned a BS in Early Childhood Education & Psychology and a Masters in the Art of Teaching from The College of New Jersey. She is certified by the state of New Jersey to teach Early Childhood (P-3), Elementary Education (K-5), and Students with Disabilities. Jennifer also holds an American Montessori Society credential in Elementary I through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE), NJ and engages in annual professional development to stay abreast of student services research and resources.

Amy Gerstacker

Amy is our Montessori Inclusion Specialist. Her work includes supporting the Primary program teachers and families in obtaining resources needed to meet the needs of students as well as being a liaison for Dr. Noble’s team and other service providers. Any maintains a connection with all Primary students and offers ongoing support to faculty.

Amy loves working in the Primary program because she enjoys closely observing and guiding children as they explore and discover in the classroom. She also brings her interest and knowledge of American Sign Language into fingerplays and songs during circle time.

Amy received a BA in Psychology from Rutgers University, NJ and a Master of Arts in Teaching through The College of New Jersey. She holds an American Montessori Early Childhood credential through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE), NJ and is an instructor and a field consultant for PCTE. Amy is seeking the Montessori Inclusion Endorsement (MIE) from WSMS teacher training program.

Bridget Manley

Bridget is our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Health teacher. She teaches health and gender studies in the Upper Elementary and Middle School programs.

Bridget loves working with Upper Elementary and Middle School children and watching their academic and social awareness unfold. She brings her counseling skills to the “gifts & challenges” class and enjoys empowering students to problem solve issues independently.

Bridget holds an MS in School Counseling from Sage Graduate School, NY and a BA in Social Work from Siena College, NY. She holds an American Montessori Society credential in Elementary I and Elementary II through the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE), NJ. Her previous experience includes counseling middle school and high school students.

Dr. Noble & Team:

Zachary Noble, Psy.D.

Dr. Noble is a licensed psychologist in the state of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He provides psychotherapy services to children, teens, adults, and families as well as conducts psychological and educational assessments for students and schools. He uses an integrative approach that emphasizes elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy, family systems theory, and interpersonal therapy.

He earned his doctorate degree in clinical psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. In graduate school, he held clinical positions at the University of Chicago, Illinois Masonic Medical Center, and The Frances Xavier Warde School.

Laurie Cooper, MS

Laurie Cooper is a PA certified school psychologist. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fairfield University and a master’s degree in school psychology from the University of Bridgeport. For the past 30 years she has worked as a school psychologist conducting psycho-educational evaluations and coordinating clinical and behavioral services in both a public and private school setting.

Claire Donald, MA

Claire Donald is a PA certified special education teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University and a master’s degree from Shippensburg University in special education. She has worked for 40 years in classrooms providing individualized education to students as well as acting as a learning consultant to classroom teachers. Her mission is to provide individualized support and help to students and their teachers so that, together, we can assist the child in maximizing their learning by building on their strengths, helping them to compensate for their weaknesses, and guiding them through wonderful and positive learning experiences.

Joshua Smith

Joshua Smith is a Speech Language Pathologist with more than 23 years of experience in the assessment and treatment of children from birth through adolescence. He is licensed to practice in New Jersey and New York. He has worked with a variety of clients, with his primary focus on birth through school-aged children.

Joshua’s focus has always been on working with the whole child and identifying crucial areas that need to be addressed. He also helps to identify other needs of the child to ensure all areas of development are being addressed. In addition, Joshua always makes sure that the family is thoroughly involved from the moment therapy begins.

Consultants

Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD

Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore joined Princeton Montessori in 2019 and is a consulting clinical psychologist who serves as a teacher resource for the school. She is an internationally published author, psychologist, and speaker whose work focuses on parenting and children’s feelings and friendships.

A trusted expert on child development, Dr. Kennedy-Moore is the creator of a mini-podcast for children, called Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic. She has been a featured guest on Live With Kelly and Ryan, The Today Show, Good Day Philadelphia, and dozens of major radio shows. She has been quoted in numerous newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, Real Simple, Working Mother, and, Woman’s Day. Her blog, Growing Friendships on Psychology Today, has 4.9 million views. Her recent books include Moody Moody Cars (for ages 4-8), Growing Feelings: A Kids’ Guide to Dealing with Emotions about Friends and Other Kids (for ages 6-12), and Kid Confidence: Help Your Child Make Friends, Build Resilience, and Develop Real Self-Esteem (for parents).

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What Parents Are Saying

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“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!”

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“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.”

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“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.”

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“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.”

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“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!”

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“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!”

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“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!”

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“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”.”

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“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.”

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“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.”

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“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.”

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“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!”

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“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!”

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“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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