I'd like to welcome you to The Montessori School of the Berkshires.  Although you'll find lots of helpful information on this site about our programs and teachers, Montessori philosophy and methods, as well as our application and admissions procedures, we do hope you'll come visit the school.  Montessori education is really best seen in action.  

When you walk into our school you may first notice a quiet hum of activity coming from the classrooms.  You'll look into the elementary and see children spread out around the room.  One child may be building an atom model on the floor while another child works nearby on a chart of the Plant Kingdom.  Two children may be at their desks collaborating on writing a play.  Over in the corner of the room a group may be discussing a book they have read.  At the table next to them, a teacher may be working individually with a child to teach compound multiplication with manipulative materials called golden beads.  Another teacher may be helping two children research information to make a timeline of pioneer life.  Nearby a child may be focused on knitting a scarf or sculpting using natural clay.  Some children may be eating snack together at the snack table and then washing their dishes.  There is an engaged bustle in the room.  There is movement.  There are smiles.  You can tell that the children are happy and excited to be there.  

When you glance into the Children's House, you'll notice a similar scene.  Children are busily moving about the room.  After using a water pump, a child takes out a small mop to clean up any spills.  Some children may be tracing sandpaper letters as they practice forming and saying the phonetic sounds.  One child may have on an apron as he paints at the easel.  Next to him a child may have out a yoga mat to practice yoga poses while a friend watches.  At a table a teacher may be working one-on-one with a child learning the names of geometric solids.  At the same table children may be practicing cutting, looking at artifacts from different continents, sorting objects as living or non-living, and using number rods for learning quantities.  You may notice how the children help tidy the room, how they politely ask peers for help, or how independently they choose their activities.

As you watch this activity, you'll have so many questions about how it all works!  So I welcome you to come spend some time with us.  Watch for the wonder in children's eyes.  Ask about the array of activities on the shelves.  And share in the excitement of new discovery.

I look forward to meeting you.

Todd Covert
Head of School