Business Details
14 Years
experience
Over The Moon Private School
We founded Over The Moon in 2012 to meet the educational needs of our community's students. Over the past 15 years, we have grown from a halfday preschool to an independent private school serving toddlers through fifth grade. Our two campuses in Orange County, New York provide an early primary program and a primary program for students aged 18 months through fifth grade. We employ the Responsive Classroom approach as the foundation for managing our school, classrooms, and staff. Our curriculum, created by OTM EDventures, Inc. and our Curriculum Advisory Board, consists of experiencebased lessons delivered through developmentally appropriate practices.We offer a continuum of learning that has guided bright and curious minds since our inception. Our leadership team possesses over 50 years of combined experience in education. We strive to meet the needs of families seeking an alternative learning environment to traditional publicschool classrooms. Enrichment activities such as yoga, music, art, and gardening are included in tuition for all students. School hours run Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with office hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We welcome families to visit our campuses in Pine Bush and Middletown to learn more about our programs.
Services
Petite Pioneers Toddler Program (1836 months)
Little Explorers Preschool & PreK (35 years)
Pathfinders & Navigators Elementary Program (K5th Grade)
Before & After Care
Full or Half Day Kindergarten Options
Summer Camp
Yoga Enrichment
Music Enrichment
Art Enrichment
Gardening Enrichment
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Over 50+ years of combined leadership experience in education.
- Two Hudson Valley campuses serve toddlers through fifth grade.
- Curriculum designed by OTM EDventures, Inc. and Curriculum Advisory Board.
- Enrichment activities include yoga, music, art, and gardening.
People
Suzanne M. Russell
Founder and Former Head of Schools
Suzanne M. Russell founded Over the Moon in 2012, served as Head of Schools until June 2025, then launched OTM EDventures LLC to coach educators and schools in creating transformative learning environments.
Frank Nutt III
Co-Owner
Frank Nutt III, along with Valarie Petersen, acquired Over the Moon in June 2025 and coowns several local schools and day care centers in the Hudson Valley and continues to oversee its educational operations.
Valarie Petersen
Co-Owner
Valarie Petersen partnered with Frank Nutt III to acquire Over the Moon in June 2025 and coowns multiple local schools and day care facilities, focusing on operational excellence and supporting educational growth.
Jessica Murray
Director - Pine Bush Campus
Jessica Murray serves as Director of the Pine Bush Campus, overseeing daily operations, staff, and student programs for toddlers through fifth grade. She ensures curriculum implementation aligns with Responsive Classroom principles and supports family engagement.
Ashley Dolan
Director - Middletown Campus
Ashley Dolan directs the Middletown Campus, managing instructional staff, coordinating enrichment activities, and maintaining a safe, inclusive learning environment. She also collaborates with families to support student growth and community outreach.
Questions
What age groups does Over the Moon Enrichment Center serve?
We serve children from 18 months through fifth grade, offering toddler, preschool, and elementary programs across our two Hudson Valley campuses.
What educational approach does Over the Moon use in its classrooms?
Our classrooms follow the Responsive Classroom approach, emphasizing respect, compassion, and social‑emotional growth alongside academic development and fostering a supportive community for students and families.
What enrichment activities are included in tuition at Over the Moon?
Tuition includes yoga, music, art, and gardening activities, all designed to enrich students’ creative, physical, and social development through hands‑on, experience‑based learning.
What are the school and office hours for Over the Moon campuses?
School operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while office hours run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the same days.
