Since its founding in 1988 by Bernadette Mallawaaratchy, Bernie's Montessori has been giving children a head start to a successful academic journey. We understand how positive experiences in the first 5 years of life can prepare a child with the confidence to reach for the stars. Visit us and discover why so many of our students return to Bernie’s Montessori years later with their own children or as members of our staff.
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Preschool Program (33 months - 5 years)
We help children develop a lifelong love for learning by providing a rich environment with prepared educational materials and caring teachers. Within our Montessori classroom, children are allowed as much freedom as possible to progress at their own pace under guidance of a teacher who is specially trained to unfold each child's potential. Most importantly, we make learning fun!
Our learning environment extends beyond the classroom to the outdoors. Children are introduced to nature with hands-on activities and encouraged to explore and make discoveries for themselves. Memories created at Bernie's will last a lifetime.
Toddler Program (16 - 33 months)
The toddler program is open to children 16 to 33 months. The activities in the toddler room are designed to lengthen the child's attention span, to increase the vocabulary, and to develop a sense of independence and responsibility. These activities also develop large and small muscle skills. Music, story time, arts and crafts, individual and group games are included in these activities.
Infant Program (6 weeks - 16 months)
Our infant program provides your child with a very loving, nurturing, and caring environment, which will foster a love of learning and independence. There are varieties of activities for your child to experience throughout the day with age appropriate equipment to meet their development needs. The teachers are well trained and will provide activities during the day that stimulate their minds and help children develop control over their bodies.
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What Makes Bernie’s Montessori Special
Learning Beyond Classrooms
Your child will have regular nature walks along the lakeshore and woods where they will experience their natural world as it changes through the seasons. We also organize regular field trips to exciting places.
The school features a large playground quietly away from traffic and shaded with trees and overlooking Legion Lake and Veterans Park for your child to play, explore, make friends, and have fun! It is beautifully landscaped with natural materials (grass, sand, pea gravel, trees, plants) for child sensory development. For health and safety reasons, our playgrounds are free of artificial turf on concrete or shredded tire waste.
Teachers with a Shared Vision
When we recall fond memories from school, most often we think of our favorite teachers. A beautifully constructed school means nothing without caring and stable staff. At Bernie’s Montessori, we carefully select teachers that share our unique vision and values. We are proud to have some of the lowest turnover in the industry.
Screen-Free Learning Environment
Our classrooms are free of screens, big or small. We utilize carefully designed classroom materials and hands-on activities help young children develop their creativity, attention, concentration, organization, and sense of order.
We look forward to meeting you and your child. Contact us for a tour today!
"Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment." - Dr. Maria Montessori