Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Montessori Child Care Center in Ridgewood
Founded in 1975, the Montessori Learning Center has been a cornerstone of early childhood education in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Our institution is built on the foundational principles of the Montessori Method, emphasizing hands-on, experiential learning tailored to each child's unique development. With over four decades of dedicated service, we provide a warm, stimulating environment where children from Ridgewood and surrounding communities thrive. Our programs integrate the STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math) framework, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Through small class sizes, carefully designed curricula, and a team of nurturing educators, we cultivate independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.Our commitment extends beyond academics, promoting emotional security, respect for others, and a strong sense of community through regular events, outreach initiatives, and collaborative learning experiences. With state-of-the-art facilitiesincluding air-conditioned classrooms, secure environments, and expansive play areaswe ensure a safe, engaging space for every child. Recognized for our excellence in Montessori education, we continue to serve as a trusted partner for families seeking a holistic, child-centered approach to early education.
Services
Montessori Child Care
Transitional Kindergarten
Spanish Immersion Programs
STREAM Curriculum
Summer Camp Programs
Before and After Care
Community Outreach Events
Music and Movement Classes
Spanish Enrichment
Discovery Room Activities
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We have been serving families with Montessori education since 1975.
- Our programs integrate STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math) initiatives.
- Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and care for each child.
- Our teachers specialize in Montessori methods with multi-year experience.
- We host community-building events and outreach programs for family engagement.
What people say
Wholesome, responsible, caring institution
Teachers are excellent and nurturing
Children grow up so much
Loving and caring environment
Ready for kindergarten
Services
Montessori Child Care
Our Montessori Child Care programs provide a structured, nurturing environment for children aged 2.66 years. Using hands-on materials and child-centered learning, we focus on developing independence, creativity, and social skills. Our educators guide each child through personalized activities that align with Montessori principles and prepare them for future academic success.
Transitional Kindergarten
Transitional Kindergarten serves children needing an extra year of preparation before kindergarten. Our program balances academic readiness with social and emotional development, using Montessori methods to foster confidence, persistence, and curiosity. Teachers create individualized learning paths to ensure each child progresses at their own pace.
Spanish Immersion Programs
Spanish Immersion Programs integrate language acquisition with daily classroom activities. Children learn Spanish through storytelling, music, play, and vocabulary development in a multi-sensory setting. This program enhances cultural awareness while reinforcing the Montessori goal of holistic development and global thinking.
STREAM Curriculum
STREAM Curriculum combines science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math through interactive, project-based learning. Students engage in experiments, problem-solving challenges, and creative projects that encourage teamwork, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Summer Camp Programs
Summer Camp Programs feature themed weeks filled with arts, outdoor play, water activities, and special guests. Our air-conditioned indoor facilities and expansive outdoor playgrounds provide a safe, engaging environment. Weekly themes and flexible scheduling make this a fun, enriching option for families.
People
Effie Angelikas
Director
Effie Angelikas has led the Montessori Learning Center for decades, guiding its mission of excellence in early childhood education. With a deep commitment to the Montessori philosophy, she ensures each child receives personalized attention in a nurturing environment. Her leadership fosters a culture of academic rigor, creativity, and community involvement.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children aged 2.6 through 6 years with programs tailored to their developmental stages.
How does your Montessori approach differ from traditional preschools?
Our Montessori approach emphasizes hands-on, self-directed learning with materials designed to promote independence, curiosity, and mastery of concepts at each child's pace.
Are there part-time and full-time enrollment options?
Yes, we offer 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day programs with both half-day and full-day options to accommodate family needs.
Do you offer summer camp activities?
Yes, our summer camp provides weekly themed activities including arts, outdoor play, water fun, and special guests for children aged 2.6–6.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain a secure environment with an advanced security system, supervised playgrounds, and strict visitor protocols to ensure children's safety at all times.
Reviews (3)
Roberto Capelan
Jan 26, 2021
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When we visited and interviewed with the school, we very much enjoyed our experience. Then a month in, they changed our sons teacher with little notice. It was unfortunate, but we gave them the benefit of the doubt, and assumed it was not the schools fault. The school was not the least expensive school we visited, but we thought what they offered was worth the expense. When Covid changed the curriculum, from in person shared classroom experience, to online classes, we were again disappointed. I assumed as many friends and family experienced at other schools, that the school would either refund
Sarah Seiglie
Jun 26, 2019
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We absolutely LOVE Ridgewood Montessori! I toured so many different preschools in the area before I found my son's school. I knew within moments that this was the one. My son is thriving here and they were so wonderfuly accommodating with his initial separation anxiety. We also love that he can stay an extra year in case we decide to delay his kindergarten start, as he has a late summer birthday.
Beth Begier
Sep 12, 2014
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I cannot recommend this school more highly. My daughter loves it and learns a tremendous amount there.
