Petersham Montessori School

At Petersham Montessori, we are dedicated to providing an educational experience that fosters self-confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning for children aged three to six. Established in 1996, our school has been serving the towns of Petersham, Athol, Orange, Gardner, Barre, Oakham, New Salem, Hardwick, Hubbardston, New Braintree, Phillipston, Templeton, Warwick, Wendell, Royalston, and beyond, offering a Primary Program that lays the groundwork for a happy and successful future.

Our School and Program

Our program is designed with the whole child in mind, focusing on the development of practical life, motor, language, and math skills. We proudly offer a rich, hands-on curriculum, including:

• Practical Life: We believe in nurturing children's natural desire to contribute to their environment by providing activities that promote independence and self-esteem. Practical Life activities refine motor skills, develop focus and concentration, and serve as a foundation for future abstract learning such as math and reading.

• Sensorial: Inspired by Dr. Maria Montessori's observation that all learning begins through the five senses, our Sensorial materials help children understand and refine their sensory experiences. By grading and sequencing objects, children build a strong foundation for more advanced math and geometry concepts.

• Language: Language development is approached holistically, beginning with oral language and progressing to reading and writing. Our curriculum incorporates readiness activities that prepare children for formal language exercises, followed by a phonetic approach that introduces letter recognition, sounds, and isolation. This comprehensive language instruction promotes a strong foundation for literacy.

• Math: Our math program encourages hands-on learning and exploration, allowing children to develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts before moving on to abstract representations. Activities include counting, sorting, and patterning.

• Cultural and Science: We expose children to a broad range of cultural and scientific topics, nurturing curiosity and fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Our school features well-crafted, wooden Montessori materials and an inviting outdoor playground and garden, providing a nurturing environment for young learners. All of our staff members are Montessori certified, ensuring that our students receive the highest quality of education. With over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, our Head of School, Cheryl Calcari, leads a dedicated and passionate team committed to the success of each child.

Upcoming Events

We are excited to announce our open house registration for 2024. Due to high demand, we recommend that families interested in attending sign up in advance for guided tours of our school. The open house will take place on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:30 am at 28 New Salem Road, Petersham, MA. To register for a tour, interested families can contact us at (978) 724-0246 or send an email to petershammontessori1@verizon.net. Walk-throughs are also welcome, and families can schedule a private tour and Q&A session by using the contact information above.

At Petersham Montessori, we host family-friendly events and fundraisers throughout the year, promoting a strong sense of community. To stay up-to-date on the latest happenings, please check our website often.