A January 29th open house is scheduled for parents who would like to tour Brown Tufts Montessori, a preschool and kindergarten located at the Woodbury United Methodist Church. The school serves children ages 3 to 6.

Children will be able to try materials that are offered to the students and to explore the environment. Parents will be able to meet with the teachers, who will be available to describe the curriculum and the program. 

Montessori classrooms offer a mixed-age setting, which means that 3-, 4-, and 5-year olds all share their experiences and support each other. The youngest learn from the oldest, who quickly become leaders. “I think one of our strongest points is that the children come together to form a community. They learn to take care of each other and to respect their peers, their environment, and themselves,” said Nana Sledzieski, the Head of School. It is the aim of the teachers to create a space where children learn to be capable, confident, and respectful in a calm environment. 

Montessori education is also recognized for its strong academic curriculum, which can be adapted to the interests and abilities of the individual child. The curriculum includes Language, Math, Geography/Culture, Science, Music, and Art. There is also strong emphasis on developing practical, sensorial, and interpersonal skills. A Spanish teacher spends time in the classroom one day a week. “Although many schools have pull-out programs for foreign language, we have asked our teacher to apply an immersion philosophy when interacting with the children in any way during the day,” said Mrs. Sledzieski. “She uses the Montessori Spanish curriculum, which ties in perfectly with other materials that are available.” Brown Tufts will also offer an afternoon enrichment program to augment its own and other morning programs.

The Open House will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 4 Church Street. The entrance to the school is on Main Street South, through the fenced-in play space. Registration is appreciated, but drop-ins are welcome.

For more information about the program, including a video produced by the American Montessori Society, visit BrownTuftsMontessori.com. Contact Nana Sledzieski at 203-263-4600 or e-mail [email protected]