Business Details
30 Years
experience
Montessori School in Fairfield, CT for Toddlers & Primary Students
At Great Beginnings Montessori, we have dedicated ourselves to nurturing young minds through the Montessori method for over 25 years. Founded in 1996, our school provides a carefully prepared environment where toddlers and primary students develop independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Our educators, trained by the American Montessori Society and Association Montessori Internationale, guide children through hands-on, self-directed activities that build academic, social, and emotional skills. Mixed-age classrooms foster collaboration, leadership, and empathy, while our commitment to quality has earned us membership in the American Montessori Society since 2001. Located in Fairfield, CT, we serve families from our community and surrounding areas, offering programs for children aged 21 months to 6 years.Our mission is to cultivate a balanced foundation for each childs intellectual, physical, and spiritual growth. Parents consistently praise our ability to create a peaceful, engaging atmosphere where children thrive academically and socially. We maintain strong partnerships with families to support every childs unique developmental journey. Our Toddler and Primary programs emphasize practical life skills, sensory exploration, and early literacy and numeracy through authentic Montessori materials. By prioritizing individualized learning and respect for each childs pace, we prepare students to become confident, self-motivated learners ready for future educational challenges.
Services
Toddler Program
Primary Program
After Care
Montessori Education
Admissions Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of Montessori expertise with certified educators.
- Our mixed-age classrooms promote social-emotional development and leadership.
- We use authentic Montessori materials for hands-on, self-directed learning.
- Our graduates demonstrate exceptional focus, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- We maintain a 3:1 parent-teacher collaboration ratio for personalized support.
Associations and certifications
- American Montessori Society (AMS)
- Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)
What people say
Loved by children
Excellent teachers
Nurturing environment
Great foundation
Independent learners
Services
Toddler Program
Our Toddler Program (21-36 months) introduces foundational skills through sensory exploration, practical life activities, and language development. Children learn independence through self-care tasks, fine motor exercises, and social interactions in a prepared Montessori environment. The curriculum emphasizes grace, courtesy, and coordination while respecting each child's developmental pace.
Primary Program
The Primary Program (3-6 years) builds academic and social skills through hands-on Montessori materials in math, language, science, and cultural studies. Mixed-age classrooms allow older children to mentor younger peers while reinforcing their own knowledge. Daily activities develop concentration, problem-solving, and collaborative learning in a peaceful, child-led environment.
After Care
Our After Care program provides a structured yet flexible environment for children after regular school hours. Activities include outdoor play, creative arts, and supervised homework time for older students. The program maintains Montessori principles of independence while offering a safe, nurturing space that accommodates working families' schedules.
Montessori Education
Montessori Education at Great Beginnings emphasizes individualized learning through self-directed exploration with specialized materials. Teachers observe and guide rather than direct, allowing children to develop intrinsic motivation and deep understanding. The method cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning skills through uninterrupted work cycles and mixed-age interactions.
Admissions Consultation
Admissions Consultation includes personalized classroom observations, parent-teacher meetings, and child visits to assess program fit. Prospective families receive detailed guidance through the application process, including curriculum explanations and philosophy alignment discussions. The structured approach ensures informed decisions for both families and the school community.
People
Dana Kane
Director of Admissions
Dana Kane oversees admissions at Great Beginnings Montessori, guiding families through the enrollment process with personalized support. With extensive experience in Montessori education, she ensures alignment between family needs and the school's philosophy. Dana facilitates classroom observations and parent consultations to foster informed enrollment decisions.
Questions
What is the Montessori method?
The Montessori method is child-centered education using hands-on materials, mixed-age classrooms, and self-directed learning to develop independence, academic skills, and social-emotional growth.
What ages do you serve?
We serve children aged 21 months to 6 years through our Toddler Program (21-36 months) and Primary Program (3-6 years), including preschool and kindergarten levels.
Are your teachers certified?
All lead teachers hold American Montessori Society (AMS) or Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) certifications, with assistants trained in Montessori Assistant programs.
How does admissions work?
The process includes an inquiry email, classroom observation, application submission, child visit, and contract agreement. Priority is given to families who align with our educational philosophy.
Do you follow a non-discrimination policy?
Yes, we welcome families of all races, colors, gender expressions, sexual orientations, religions, and national or ethnic origins without discrimination in any programs or policies.
