Business Details
42 Years
experience
Premier Montessori Education for Early Childhood & Elementary
Acorn Montessori School has been dedicated to nurturing young minds through the Montessori philosophy since 1984. Our mission centers on fostering a lifelong love of learning by cultivating academic excellence, creativity, and respect for individuality. With a faculty of certified Montessori educators and specialists, we offer programs for children aged 12 months to Grade 6, emphasizing self-directed exploration and holistic development. Our 5-acre campus in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, features age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and gardens that reflect our commitment to immersive education.We prioritize partnerships with families and the community to create a supportive environment where students thrive. Over four decades, we have maintained a focus on preparing children for future academic and personal success through a child-centered approach. Our graduates consistently demonstrate confidence, leadership, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Services
Toddler Program
Primary Program
Elementary Program
Summer Programs
Financial Aid
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer Montessori-certified educators with decades of specialized experience.
- Our 5-acre campus features immersive outdoor and age-specific learning environments.
- We emphasize holistic child development with proven academic outcomes.
- Financial aid options ensure accessibility for diverse families.
- Our alumni consistently excel in post-Acorn academic settings.
What people say
Excellent approach
Flourished at Acorn
Strong math skills
Beautiful campus
Dedicated teachers
Services
Toddler Program
Our Toddler Program (18 months3 years) provides a home-like environment with child-sized furnishings and materials to foster independence and sensory exploration. Certified teachers guide activities that develop motor skills, language, and social interaction. The curriculum emphasizes practical life skills and prepares children for seamless transitions to primary education.
Primary Program
The Primary Program (3 yearsKindergarten) uses Montessori materials to cultivate literacy, numeracy, and scientific curiosity through hands-on learning. Children work at their own pace in mixed-age classrooms, developing leadership and collaboration skills. Daily routines include art, music, and outdoor play to support holistic growth.
Elementary Program
Our Elementary Program (Grades 13) integrates cosmic education with individualized instruction, covering STEM, humanities, and the arts. Students engage in project-based learning that connects concepts across disciplines. The curriculum builds critical thinking and prepares graduates for success in traditional or Montessori middle schools.
Summer Programs
Summer Programs offer themed activities for toddlers to elementary students, combining Montessori principles with outdoor exploration. Weekly sessions include gardening, art, and science projects tailored to developmental stages. The program maintains continuity in learning while encouraging creativity and socialization during school breaks.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid initiatives make Montessori education accessible through need-based grants and flexible payment plans. Families may apply for support during admissions, with awards determined by household income and available funds. We prioritize equitable access to ensure socioeconomic diversity within our student body.
People
Dr. Derek Ferguson
Board Chair
Dr. Derek Ferguson is a renowned functional medicine expert and advocate for education. With over a decade as a Top Doctor in NJ, he blends science and compassion to empower patients and families. He authors health-focused literature and serves on multiple nonprofit boards, including Acorn Montessori since 2022.
Chris Martinson
Vice President
Chris Martinson brings 42 years of civil engineering experience and board leadership to Acorn. A parent of three alumni, he oversaw campus expansions and facilities management. His career at Whiting-Turner Contracting Company included managing diverse construction projects, aligning with Acorn's infrastructure needs.
Andy Tomlinson
Treasurer
Andy Tomlinson, COO of Music Together, contributes financial expertise from prior roles at Merck and Travelers. An Acorn parent with two graduates, he ensures fiscal stewardship as Treasurer. His dual background in corporate finance and early childhood education strengthens strategic decision-making.
Sasha Elezovski
Secretary
Sasha Elezovski, a certified HR professional with 13+ years in pharmaceutical and banking sectors, manages board records and compliance. As an Acorn parent, she advocates for inclusive leadership and operational excellence, aligning HR practices with the school's mission-driven goals.
Michelle Morrison
Interim Head of School
Michelle Morrison leads academic operations as Interim Head of School, overseeing curriculum implementation and faculty development. With extensive Montessori administration experience, she ensures daily alignment with the school's educational philosophy and community values.
Questions
What age groups does Acorn Montessori serve?
We serve children aged 12 months through Grade 3, with Toddler, Primary, and Elementary programs.
Is Acorn Montessori accredited?
We are affiliated with the American Montessori Society and follow rigorous Montessori standards.
What is the teacher-to-student ratio?
Classrooms maintain low ratios with one certified Montessori teacher and assistant(s) per 15-20 students.
Are there before/after-care options?
School hours are 7:30 AM–6:00 PM, with extended care included in tuition.
How does Acorn support student transitions?
Mixed-age classrooms and mentorship prepare students for seamless transitions to new environments.
Can I visit the campus?
Personalized tours are available Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, by appointment.
Reviews (5)
Valerie Lensborn
Jan 24, 2016
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Sending our daughter to Acorn Montessori School has been so positive for the whole family. Little did we know when our daughter started attending school when she was almost 3 years old that the whole family would fall in love with the community and all of us would meet some of our best friends. It has been a fabulous decision for all of us! As we were in the midst of the preschool search for our daughter, we met a young woman at our church who impressed us from our first meeting. Not only did she become our daughter's babysitter, but she also recommended that we look at Acorn due to her own positive
William Taylor
Jan 18, 2016
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Acorn is a wonderful school. A true blessing in our community. Our daughter attended Acorn from kindergarten through the 5th grade. She loved it. And that love of school and learning has continued in her life. She's a sophomore in college now and has been a straight A student throughout. Because of Acorn Montessori, she has always been ahead academically. But what made Acorn really special is the wonderful lessons she learned about being a good citizen, having good manners, doing what is right as opposed to what is easy and caring for others. We are so fortunate to have a school like Acorn in our
Heather Brisby
Dec 04, 2015
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My husband and I love Acorn Montessori School! While "shopping" for a preschool for our daughter, over four years ago, we toured Acorn and immediately loved the campus and the atmosphere in each of the classrooms. We weren't very familiar with the Montessori method, but we knew there would be no better option for us, it just felt right. In a relatively short period of time, we have learned so much about Montessori and wish that ALL children had the opportunity to learn this way. Our family has grown and we now have two boys that currently attend the school. They look forward to going to Acorn everyday
Heather King
Nov 23, 2015
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Both of my children started at Acorn when they were 18 months old (Now 2 and 4). Most of my friends had their children in a daycare, but I was looking for a "school." I knew about Montessori education and I was thrilled that Acorn offered Montessori to children as young at 18 months. Montessori is different and it is a type of education that encourages independence and learning at a child's own pace. I LOVED that about Acorn. The teachers here are absolutely amazing and my children are thriving. The Montessori approach is what sets Acorn apart from the other preschools in the area. I encourage
Lori Lunsmann
Nov 09, 2015
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As a parent, I began my search for a preschool for my daughter by making appointments to tour a few preschools in our area. Acorn Montessori School was our first tour. I brought my sister, who is a principal of a highly regarded elementary school in Manhattan, with me. Upon completion of my tour, I turned to my sister and said, "I'm canceling my other tours." She agreed that Acorn was one of the most wonderful schools she had ever visited, and my daughter would be lucky to be able to attend Acorn Montessori School. I am also an educator with over 20 years experience in the elementary school classroom
