At Merrimack Valley Montessori School (MVMS) individuality is respected and safe-guarded.  Dr. Maria Montessori described the years from two and one-half to six as a "sensitive period". During this period your child is capable of more learning than at any other time in his/her life. If a child is guided intelligently, learning becomes a joyful experience. The 'inner discipline', which a child acquires through his/her exposure to both physical and mental order in the classroom, is the core of the Montessori philosophy. Our aim is the development of each child's full potential in a prepared environment where children can discover for themselves and work independently at their own pace.

A Carefully Prepared Environment

There are differences between the traditional classroom and the Montessori classroom. In our multi-age setting, children of differing ages and developmental stages are included in the same class. MVMS classrooms are prepared for the children. There is a busy atmosphere. The room is functionally arranged for children, enabling them to move and develop freely. Children are involved in their work and may be seen working with materials on the floor, or at small tables; sometimes alone, sometimes in pairs or small groups. There is a sense of structure and order; everything has a place. Children move about as they select work from the shelves, work with the materials, and  return the materials to the shelves. This is not idle movement, but movement toward a definite goal. Such independence on the part of the children allows the teachers to work with individual children or small groups on lessons that are appropriate for their developmental stage.

Montessori Materials

Maria Montessori used specially designed materials that are now part of the standard equipment in a Montessori school. The materials are not graded and include a broad variety of subject matter.  However, they all follow certain principles.  They must capture the child's attention and stimulate his/her natural desire to learn. The child has direct contact with the materials and is not held to the pace or interests of other children. The materials progress from simple to more complex usage and prepare the child for future learning. The materials in the classroom are divided into various categories: practical life materials which promote the child's mastery of self and the environment, sensorial materials which provide the child with concrete tools needed to sort and classify concepts, and learning materials which teach language, math, science, geography, and cultural studies.

MVMS Teachers

At MVMS, our staff is experienced and devoted to the education and well-being of our children.  Classes are always under the supervision of our trained Montessori teachers certified by the American Montessori Society. Each class also has a Montessori trained assistant teacher. Each year, all teachers and assistants undergo numerous hours of training to maintain their certification.  CPR certification for all staff is kept current. During the year, guest speakers, and special events are scheduled to augment the curriculum. 

Parents at MVMS

At Merrimack Valley Montessori School we recognize that parents are important teachers of their children.  We encourage parent interest and involvement and realize the importance of open communication with families. Parents can choose to be involved in a variety of ways. Parent meetings and activities are scheduled throughout the year.  Parents may help in the classroom with special activities, or share their hobbies, occupations, or interests with the children. Parent conferences are scheduled regularly throughout the year. However, special conferences may be scheduled at any time. Merrimack Valley Montessori School maintains an ‘open door’ policy. Parents may come into our school at any time for a short visit or remain for the entire session. We encourage all parents to visit the class at some point during the year. 

Our Parent Volunteer Organization (PVO) is another way parents can choose to be involved.  The PVO hosts events during the year to enhance our program.