Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Trusted Montessori School in Fairfield, CT
Founded in 1996, Great Beginnings Montessori has dedicated over 25 years to nurturing young minds through the authentic Montessori method. Our program serves toddlers (21-36 months) and primary students (3-6 years) in a mixed-age environment that prioritizes individualized learning. Trained educators from AMS and AMI accredited institutions guide children to develop independence, intellectual curiosity, and social-emotional skills using hands-on materials. Recognized as an American Montessori Society member since 2001, we maintain rigorous standards while fostering a community rooted in respect and collaboration. Parents consistently highlight our ability to cultivate self-regulated learners who thrive academically and socially. Located in Fairfield, CT, our program extends beyond academics to instill grace, courtesy, and conflict resolution skills.With small class sizes and multi-year teacher continuity, we ensure each child's developmental needs are met through purposeful activity. Our graduates leave with strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking, complemented by a lifelong love of learning. Partnering with families, we create a continuum of care that bridges home and school environments. The physical environment - with distinct work areas and Montessori materials - supports both individual focus and cooperative play. We measure success not just by academic achievement, but through the emergent leadership and empathy demonstrated by our students.
Services
Toddler Program
Primary Program
After Care
Admissions Process
Montessori Education
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of Montessori experience nurturing toddlers and primary students
- All lead teachers hold AMS/AMI credentials from accredited training centers
- Our mixed-age classrooms foster peer mentorship and social-emotional development
- We cultivate self-regulated learners through purposeful Montessori materials
- Multi-year teacher continuity ensures deep understanding of each child's needs
Associations and certifications
- American Montessori Society
- Association Montessori Internationale
What people say
Self-motivated children
Peaceful classroom atmosphere
Strong social skills
Love of learning
Exceptional teacher expertise
Services
Toddler Program
Our Toddler Program (21-36 months) creates a gentle transition from home to school through sensory-rich activities. Children develop fine motor skills with practical life materials while building language through structured conversations. The prepared environment encourages purposeful movement and social interactions within a three-hour uninterrupted work cycle.
Primary Program
The Primary Program (3-6 years) focuses on foundational academic skills through Montessori's self-correcting materials. Children explore literacy, mathematics, and cultural studies at their own pace while developing concentration through extended work periods. Multi-age interactions foster leadership and collaborative learning.
After Care
Our After Care program provides Montessori-aligned care beyond standard hours. Children engage in supervised outdoor play, storytime, and open-ended creative activities while maintaining the principles of respect and order established during the school day.
Admissions Process
The structured admissions process includes classroom observation, parent-teacher conferences, and child assessments to ensure program fit. Families complete applications with supporting documentation and fees to secure enrollment for the upcoming academic year.
Montessori Training
All lead teachers maintain AMS or AMI credentials with ongoing professional development. Our training program emphasizes observation skills and material presentation techniques while assistants complete specialized Montessori assistant certifications.
People
Dana Kane
Director of Admissions
Dana Kane oversees admissions and parent engagement at Great Beginnings Montessori. With extensive early childhood education expertise, she guides families through the enrollment process while maintaining program standards.
Maria Montessori
Founder's Legacy
Dr. Maria Montessori's educational philosophy forms the foundation of our program. Her pioneering work in child development continues to guide our approach to nurturing independent learners.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We accept toddlers aged 21-36 months and primary students aged 3-6 years.
Is your staff Montessori-certified?
All lead teachers hold credentials from AMS or AMI accredited training centers.
How does your mixed-age classroom benefit children?
Mixed-age groups promote peer mentoring, leadership development, and natural social skill acquisition.
What is your admissions process?
We require parent observations, application submission, child assessment, and formal acceptance.
How do you communicate with families?
We maintain regular communication through classroom observations, parent-teacher conferences, and formal updates.
Reviews (3)
A. Long
Jan 29, 2019
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GBMS is everything education can and should be! A loving, caring, Montessori environment where each and every child can feel good about him/herself. GBMS is a school which fosters a love of learning, promotes independence, develops each child's potential and provides social awareness. This school is staffed by dedicated individuals who believe in the principles of Montessori education and genuinely love what they do.
B. T.
Oct 14, 2018
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Firstly, the women can't even answer the phone politely. She was talking to a coworker in mid sentence when she answered. Then she rudely told me summer programs were only open to students. well wouldn't my child be a student if he went there or did you even ask!? No. So how does she know if he is there already or not? And I did go to Montessori as a child but if they cant even teach this ill mannered grown up how to speak to people or answer a phone God only know what we are paying for! NO WAY!!
Janice Hsia
Oct 06, 2017
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My son wasn't a social kid and we have heard so many good things about Montessori overall. When he finished the primary and started public school, he was a totally different person. He still needs a bit warm up but has no problem to fit/participate in a group setting. He loves to learn and his math is far ahead of the public school standard. He learned many practical life skills in school. His reading is not at the level we like to see but I think we parents should take some responsibilities on reading too. Again, Montessori is not about core but to strengthen what they are good at and interested
