Montessori-Based Holistic Development

Provides continuous Montessori education from age three through Middle School, progressing through developmental stages with a curriculum that integrates academic disciplines and fosters individual potential, community connection, and a mindful, just society. The program emphasizes hands-on, personalized, project-based learning and interdisciplinary studies in geography, biology, botany, history, and physical sciences.

Runs a structured Buddy Program that pairs younger and older students for regular mentorship and connection, and provides leadership opportunities for Middle School students, including leading all-school assemblies and guiding younger peers through multi-age classroom interactions.

Teaches students to analyze and deconstruct media messages as part of a 21st-century Practical Life curriculum, while also developing skills in word processing and digital presentations to support critical thinking and communication.

Offers daily after-school and extended-day programming for students in Primary, Junior Level, and Upper Level programs, including child-initiated art, music, and movement activities, teacher-led clubs, outdoor play, structured homework time, and recess. The Extended Day program also includes formal instruction in Spanish, art, music, wellness, and physical education.

Provides day programs during school breaks for enrolled students in Primary, Extended Day, and Junior Levels to support continuity of care and enrichment outside the regular academic calendar.

Conducts school trips and hands-on learning activities such as fossil excavation, gardening, experiments, and presentations to deepen understanding through first-hand community experiences and active knowledge construction.

Delivers dedicated instruction in music, Spanish, wellness, and physical education as part of the Extended Day and Junior Level curricula. These programs are integrated into the school day and after-school offerings, with certified staff leading each discipline.

Provides on-site nursing services and oversees financial, business, and transportation operations for the school, including coordinating student transportation with local school districts.

Provides after-school care and programming Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM for children in grades UPK–5, including transportation from Burton Street. The play-based curriculum includes outdoor learning, confidence courses, dance, and peer-building activities, with wraparound services for families in the Cazenovia district and surrounding areas.

Offers full-day child care and educational programming for children ages 6 weeks through preschool, using 20 acres of land to support outdoor exploration and nature-immersed learning experiences. Programs include infant, toddler, and preschool tracks with monthly tuition during the school year.

Operates a summer camp program for children in grades K–5 from July 6 to August 21, 2026, featuring outdoor play, nature exploration, and educational activities to prevent summer learning loss. Also offers nature-based camps during school breaks for school-age children.

Engages in advocacy efforts related to New York State Education Department (NYSED) regulations, including issuing position letters and analysis on the implementation of Substantial Equivalency Regulation (Part 130), and advocating for state recognition of Montessori teacher certification.

Hosts quarterly in-person and virtual meetings, as well as larger conferences, to connect the Montessori community across New York State, featuring networking, professional development, and panel discussions on topics such as equity in Montessori education.

Offers membership to schools and individuals, maintains a list of member schools, and provides a platform for member schools to post job openings, supporting professional networking and recruitment in the Montessori community.

Offers professional development opportunities including workshops, speaker events, and conferences for Montessori educators and administrators across New York State. These include in-person and virtual formats and contribute to professional development hour requirements for members.

Operates an admissions process using TADS and offers virtual and in-person meetings with school leadership as part of enrollment. Administers a flexible tuition program through SSS and a Community-Based Tuition review process with anonymous decision-making by a committee to support socioeconomic diversity.

Provides daily, hands-on, interdisciplinary education fostering intellectual, social, emotional, artistic, and physical development through play-based and inquiry-driven learning. The program emphasizes student-led exploration, community engagement, and connections with the natural world across a 5-acre campus designed for experiential learning.

Organizes recurring school-wide events including an apple picking celebration, winter celebration with rituals, Grandfriends Day, Community Clean-Up Days, Maple Fest, and a Rocket Launch event to foster community connection and mark developmental milestones.