Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Montessori Preschool in Middletown, CT
Gianelli's Early Learning Center has been dedicated to early childhood education since its founding in 1972 by the Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden. Rooted in the educational philosophy of St. Anthony Gianelli, the center emphasizes respect for God, others, and self while fostering a family-like atmosphere. Our mission focuses on nurturing spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth through Montessori-based programs tailored for children aged 2-5. With over 50 years of service, we have impacted more than 4,500 families in the Middletown, Connecticut area. Our multilingual staff, including members fluent in Italian, Spanish, Hindi, and Malayalam, creates a culturally inclusive environment.We maintain rigorous safety standards through VIRTUS Protecting Gods Children training for all staff and volunteers. Our programs include Tiny Treasures (3-year-olds), PreK-3, PreK-4, Kindergarten Readiness, and a Summer Camp for ages 2-5. The center partners with parents to build foundational skills for lifelong learning while maintaining strong ties to local parishes and communities. Our alumni network continues to grow as generations of families return for our trusted educational approach. Located at 67 Round Hill Road, we serve 18 towns including Bristol, Cheshire, and Wallingford, providing meals, gardening activities, and faith-based instruction.
Services
Montessori Learning Hub
PreK-3 Program
PreK-4 Program
Kindergarten Readiness
Summer Camp
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- 54 years of Montessori-based early childhood education experience
- Multilingual staff fluent in Italian, Spanish, Hindi, and Malayalam
- VIRTUS-certified safe environment training for all staff
- Serves 18 Connecticut towns including Middletown and Wallingford
- Intergenerational alumni community with family-style learning
What people say
Second home for our son
Strong foundation for kindergarten
Safe, loved, and learning core values
Never cry at drop off
Life altering community experience
Services
Montessori Learning Hub
Our Montessori-based program for 3-year-olds emphasizes hands-on learning and developmental milestones. Children engage with specialized materials that promote sensory exploration, fine motor skills, and early literacy. The curriculum balances structured activities with self-directed play in a prepared environment that encourages independence and social growth.
PreK-3 Program
Designed for 3-year-olds, this program builds foundational academic and social skills through themed units and Montessori materials. Daily activities include language development, mathematical concepts, cultural studies, and physical coordination exercises within a supportive classroom community.
PreK-4 Program
Our 4-year-old program prepares children for kindergarten with advanced Montessori instruction in reading readiness, basic math, and scientific concepts. The curriculum includes gardening projects, cooking activities, and field trips to reinforce practical life skills and environmental awareness.
Kindergarten Readiness
This program develops essential skills for academic success through structured lessons in phonics, number sense, and writing readiness. Children practice classroom routines, collaborative learning, and problem-solving activities that build confidence for formal schooling transitions.
Summer Camp
Our summer program for ages 2-5 combines educational activities with recreational play. Weekly themes guide arts and crafts, outdoor games, water activities, and nature exploration while maintaining Montessori principles of child-led discovery.
People
Sr. Juana Olmedo
Local Superior and Director
Sr. Juana Olmedo leads Gianelli's Early Learning Center with over 20 years of educational experience. She oversees daily operations and maintains the center's mission while building community partnerships with local parishes and families.
Sr. Eugene Sanita
Dietician and Teacher Assistant
Sr. Eugene Sanita combines nutritional expertise with early childhood education, creating balanced meal plans and supporting the 3-year-old program. Her dual role ensures children receive both proper nourishment and developmental care.
Sr. Mary Pattasseril
4-Year-Old Teacher
With 15 years at Gianelli's, Sr. Mary Pattasseril brings Montessori expertise to the PreK-4 classroom. She specializes in creating engaging learning environments that foster independence and academic readiness through hands-on activities.
Sr. Marykutty Edavazhickal
4-Year-Old Teacher
Sr. Marykutty Edavazhickal has dedicated 18 years to early childhood education at Gianelli's. Her patient approach helps children develop social skills and academic foundations through structured play and Montessori-based instruction.
Sr. Lizzy Chirackal
2-Year-Old Teacher
Sr. Lizzy Chirackal specializes in toddler development, creating nurturing environments for the Tiny Treasures program. Her experience with young children focuses on sensory exploration and early language development in a caring classroom setting.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children aged 2-5 through our Tiny Treasures, PreK-3, PreK-4, and Kindergarten Readiness programs.
Is your program faith-based?
Yes, we follow the Catholic educational philosophy of St. Anthony Gianelli while welcoming families of all backgrounds.
What safety measures do you have?
All staff complete VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children training and we maintain a secure environment with monitored access.
Do you offer summer programs?
Our Summer Camp program serves children aged 2-5 with educational and recreational activities.
What languages are supported?
Our staff speaks English, Italian, Spanish, Hindi, and Malayalam to better serve diverse families.
Reviews (5)
C. Cardella
Nov 08, 2020
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Our son has only been with Gianellis for a few months but the developmental gains hes made have been tremendous. His language skills, the context of the words he uses and his social skills have all significantly increased over a relatively short time. They provide fresh homemade meals daily using vegetables grown in their own garden. While the idea of a school run by nuns may be an antiquated idea, the tools they use in the classroom are taken from the Montessori model of education and are on par with some of the other schools we explored prior to choosing Gianellis. The loving and caring
Kinga Zin
Oct 24, 2020
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Gianellis is a really wonderful place. My daughter (who can be very stubborn sometimes) loves it there. She has the structure she needs but is also engaged in singing, dancing, role playing, arts and crafts, and free time. Everyone is so nice there. I feel like my daughter is in very good hands. And the fact that they provide lunch and all the snacks makes it so much easier on me. One thing less to worry about.
Ashley Woronoff
Sep 23, 2020
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We love Gianellis! The school came highly recommended by friends of ours & we are so glad we made this choice. You cant beat the quality of the program & the price. Plus, our children loved the home cooked meals. All around, we are so pleased!
Sled Bettie
Aug 23, 2020
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The sisters and teachers at Gianellis truly care about their students. They teach not only academics, but also life skills. It really is the whole package when it comes to a preschool experience.
Marini Nakandala
Nov 06, 2019
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Felt very homely at the open house. Well kept space and garden. The nuns here make you and your kids feel safe. Can't wait to have my 2 year old attend Gianelli's
