Education for Life

A Montessori school for children ages 18 months to 6 years

About Us

Pincushion Hill Montessori School is a legacy private school, educating children since 1962. We offer an exemplary education for children ages 18 months through 6 years based on the Montessori method, including carefully curated garden spaces. Pincushion Hill Montessori School is deeply committed to providing a nurturing and challenging environment where children are encouraged to learn at their own pace, supported by their peers and teachers. Our children love school!

Inside the school, our unique hand painted wall murals winding up and down the staircases represent two distinctive science themes. The first wall mural covers the five oceans of the world. This mural is inclusive of much of the marine biodiversity of our vast seas and oceans. In addition to the depictions, the mural includes real physical specimens as well as information cards. The second mural covers all the major terrestrial biomes and the plant and animal species who live in them. Each mural has a paired satellite map of the world and specimen booklets for the children to complete.

We provide an individualized, multi-sensory curriculum based upon the belief that all children can reach their personal and academic potential. As an authentic Montessori school, we nurture intelligence, curiosity, and imagination while supporting and developing each student’s unique talents. We are passionate about cultivating your child’s love of learning. Each and every day, our students arrive at school excited to greet their friends and participate in new discoveries. They are truly the inspiration for the thoughtful work we do creating vibrant spaces to engage in genuine Montessori education.

View Gardens

Why do so many families choose Montessori?

Individualized Learning

Lessons are designed and given to each child when they are most ready to learn.

Whole Child Education

Social, emotional, and physical development is emphasized along with academic skills.

Empowered by Choice

Freedom to move and choose activities fosters independence and self-confidence.

Supported by Research

Current neurology and human development research consistently backs Montessori.

The Montessori Difference

Discover the 5 biggest limitations with traditional education and how Montessori can unleash your child's independence, confidence, and love for learning.

Our Programs

Children's House

2.9-6 years

Morning & After School Care

After School Enrichments

Summer Camp

Visit Us!

We invite you to visit our school, meet the teachers, and observe the children in their classrooms. We encourage you to ask questions and learn about the opportunities available at all levels of our programs.

Schedule a Tour

Attend an Open House

How to Apply

Parent Reviews

Mrs. Kovago, Thank you for being such a steady and supportive guide for our child. We have noticed the difference in how he approaches challenges with more patience and curiosity. We are grateful for the care, your guidance and heart you bring to teaching.

— Ramesh Hariharan

Mrs. Kovago, Thank you for creating a rich and thoughtful environment for learning. We are grateful for the way you blend nature, meaningful materials and gentle guidance into your lessons making it a beautiful experience for our child, helping her to explore, inquire and wonder. Thank you for the connection

- Ramya Roopini Ravi

Our Blog

Supporting Your Child's Fresh Start At A Montessori School

By Alison Petersen • September 5, 2025

Starting school marks an important milestone for both children and their parents. Transitioning into a Montessori environment—with its distinctive approach to learning—can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty. At Pincushion Hill Montessori School, we’re committed to helping families navigate this change with confidence and ease. Talk About What to Expect Children tend to feel more at ease when they know what’s coming. Take some time to talk with your child about what a typical day at a Montessori school might be like. Let them know they'll have the freedom to choose activities that interest them and that they'll be learning alongside children of different ages. Explain that their teachers—often called guides—are there to support their learning and exploration, not just give directions. You might say something like: “You’ll start the day by saying hello to your teacher and friends, then you can pick something fun to work on—maybe building with blocks or practicing writing. Sometimes you’ll work alone, and other times you’ll do things with others.” Encourage Independence at Home Montessori education places a strong emphasis on independence. To help your child adjust smoothly, start encouraging independence at home. Simple tasks like getting dressed, putting away toys, or helping set the table can boost their confidence. When children realize they can do things on their own, they’re better prepared for the choices and responsibilities they’ll encounter in the classroom. These kinds of activities also reflect the Montessori idea of “learning by doing,” which is at the heart of the method. Create a Consistent Routine Routines help children feel safe and lower anxiety during new experiences. In the weeks leading up to the first day, try to follow a consistent morning schedule—waking up at the same time, having a healthy breakfast, and getting dressed on their own. You can also involve your child in getting ready the night before by letting them choose their outfit and pack their school bag. Talking about what they’re excited for the next day can also build a sense of anticipation and comfort. These small routines help foster responsibility and a smooth start to each school day. Get Ready Emotionally, Too Starting school is a big step—not just for your child, but for you as well. It’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions: pride, nervousness, maybe even a little sadness. Keep in mind that your child is likely to sense your mood, so staying calm and positive can help reassure them. If you’re feeling uneasy, remind yourself of the many benefits of Montessori education—its focus on nurturing independence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Trust in the process, and in the guides who are there to support your child as they begin this new adventure.

How Can Parents Support Montessori Principles at Home?

By Alison Petersen • August 22, 2025

Practicing Montessori At Home

Summer Activities for Montessori Children

By Alison Petersen • June 12, 2025

As parents of Montessori students, it is important to find the balance between the freedom and bliss of summer without losing the routines and knowledge for which you and your child worked so hard during the school year. The following are a few suggestions from the educators at Pincushion Hill Montessori School. Schedules: We encourage you to ease up on your children’s schedules and routines during the summer months. Bedtimes and waking times can be moved around so you can enjoy the relaxation offered by the summer months. We do encourage you to start easing back into your school year schedule a few weeks before school starts up again in the fall. Journaling: Help your children select a blank book or journal. Encourage them to record something in this book every day during the summer. This helps with literacy skills and creative writing. It also has the potential to serve as a keepsake your children will cherish for years to come. As summer sets in and siblings begin to squabble, redirecting your Montessori children toward journaling their feelings can also aid with conflict resolution. A summer journal can become an annual tradition for your family. Family Visits: It’s great family bonding time exploring local resources and places of interest. Historic homes, farms, zoos, walking trails and many other interesting opportunities that are close to home can be fun and educational adventures. Take small field trips throughout the summer and include your child in the planning. Around the House: Include your children in your daily household activities. If they aren’t doing so already, summer is the perfect time to encourage their assistance with planning meals for the week, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. Gardening: Tending to (or starting) a family garden at your home is a great idea. This will continue the education they receive at TMA, yield delicious rewards, and encourage growth in the craft of sustainability. Cooking: Involve your child in home cooking ingredients and recipes. This will foster learning, and make them more independent in years to come. Reading: Start a family book club by suggesting one or two book titles that they have not read. If some members of your family too young to read, end every evening by taking turns reading a book aloud. The anticipation of knowing what will happen next will keep everyone coming back for more. Family Games: Put together a scavenger hunt for your children. This can be a great option for a rainy day, but on a sunny day you can include biology and botany related clues outdoors. The hunt can be fun and educational in origin, testing your children’s knowledge or research skills. Ask: For specific academic skills that may need work or refreshing over the summer, do not hesitate to ask your child’s Montessori teacher, or your child himself. Identify what could be practiced, and create an easy routine that makes practice time enjoyable and fun. Pincushion Hill Montessori School is a school that enriches and educates children using the Montessori Method focused on academic subjects like math, language, science, sensorial and practical life. The private, year-round school was founded in 1962 and accepts children from 18 months old up to six years old. Students at the school are exposed to Montessori-style teaching approaches, including individual learning according to each child’s style and pace, multi-age classrooms that allow children to advance when they are ready, and a nurturing of students’ natural curiosity.

Montessori or Conventional: