Harborlight Montessori offers a uniquely well-rounded, authentic Montessori education for children ages 4 months through 14 years. Founded in 1973 and nestled in the coastal city of Beverly, Massachusetts, Harborlight proudly graduates students representing over 35 cities and towns on the greater North Shore. Take a peak around the website, then come for a visit.

Authentic Montessori

The world is finally catching on to something a woman named Dr. Maria Montessori designed more than 100 years ago. Today, Montessori is a household name, but the hallmarks are not always as well understood. Allow us to illustrate what makes for an authentic Montessori education:

• The goal of Montessori education is to help each individual reach his/her full potential in all areas of life
• The prepared environment sets the stage for the developmental curriculum to unfold at each level
• Students are grouped in multi-age classrooms, where they spend a three-year cycle: ages 1-3; 3-6; 6-9; 9-12; 12-15
• Teachers who are specifically educated (credentialed) apply the Montessori method in the classroom, using the didactic materials and lessons in an integrated, developmental approach
• A full complement of Montessori materials, activities, and experiences are available within each classroom that are designed to foster intellectual, creative, physical and social independence
• A schedule that allows large blocks of uninterrupted work time for problem solving, understanding the interconnections of ideas and creating new thought
• Individual and small group learning allows for the child to become self-directed, responsible for their learning, and find a balance between personal mastery and participation in collaborative projects
• Authentic performance assessment based on portfolios, student work samples, test scores, projects and applied learning outcomes
• Students engaged in purposeful activity and learning for the sake of learning – about themselves, their world, and how they can make a difference

Community Values

We believe that respect for each individual is the cornerstone of a safe, healthy community. While this is an essential part of the Montessori philosophy, we know that creating and maintaining a diverse and safe community requires an ongoing commitment; one that we fully embrace.We work to promote and sustain a school culture and climate that instills and imparts dignity and a sense of shared responsibility for the well-being of each other and that of our larger community. We ask that all Harborlight community members consistently conduct themselves in a manner that affirms and abides by these beliefs and principles of moral character:

• Commitment: We will uphold Montessori's philosophy and guiding principles. We will be dedicated to our teaching, learning, parenting, and volunteering roles, and be responsible and accountable for our actions.
• Cooperation: We will work to include others and put forth our best effort to help others do the same. We will work together to create harmony and a supportive atmosphere.
• Communication: We will be clear, respectful, positive, and direct in all our communications. We will be open and responsive and polite to others.
• Concern: We will be compassionate in our actions with others. We will embrace challenges and differences with understanding and appreciation.

Harborlight Montessori does not discriminate on the basis of gender, gender identity and expression, race, religion, family structure, socioeconomic level, culture, age, sexual orientation, language, or learning style in the administration of its educational program, admissions or other School policies.

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