What are your ratios? The Nest is a home-based program with a group size ranging between six and twelve children with a max ratio of six children per adult.
When are you open? We follow the local school district calendar with enrollment from late August through late May with school closures for holidays, plus regular breaks, including one week off in the Fall for Thanksgiving, one week off during the Spring, and two weeks off in December. Summer camp options may apply. Please visit our Calendar page for more specific details.
Do you have full-time options? We only offer part-time options as our program is designed to provide a quality Montessori program for families seeking balance between their child’s time at home and a social, learning environment. We seek to provide a stepping stone for families wishing to ease their child into a larger school setting and assist families in finding the next best fit for their child.
Are you affiliated with any Montessori schools or organizations? We are not affiliated with any local Montessori schools or organization though participation in our program will help prepare your child for participation in both Montessori and non-Montessori programs alike.
What is Montessori? The Montessori method is rooted in the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori whose observations of young children inspired a time-tested, scientific approach to working with young children with an emphasis on respect for the young child and their stages of natural development. Dr. Montessori believed the first three years of the child’s life were the most important in preparing them for life. During this absorbent mind period, children absorb information from their environment through the use of all of their senses. Providing ample opportunities for hands-on exploration, or play, with attention to the child’s sensitive periods, periods of intense and focused growth, is essential to the Montessori approach to education. The skills children develop at this stage are critical as they serve as a foundation for all future learning and growth.
How much time do you spend outside? A lot! When Covid hit, our program moved outdoors and my passion for outdoor education was quickly ignited. Our outdoor environment lends itself well to the Montessori philosophy of respect for self and the natural environment and continues to evolve to meet the developmental needs of the children. Weather dependent, we traditionally spend 75-100% of our time in our outdoor classroom where the children continue to benefit from the core components of a Montessori education while being given ample opportunities to move and explore.
How can I apply? You may submit your contact information via our Contact page and I will follow up with you as soon as I am able to schedule a phone conversation or a visit. Details about our admission process, in addition to our current rates and fees, can be found on the Tuition and Admissions tab via the Toddler Program page.
