Get to know our program.

The Montessori Method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, is a method of education based on the scientific observation of the child. She recognized the child’s natural curiosity and desire to learn. The method aids the child by emphasizing independent activity in a prepared environment without the unnecessary help of an adult.

Dr. Montessori observed that children are more motivated to learn when working on something of their own choosing and at their own unique pace. A Montessori student may choose her focus of learning on any given day, but her decision is limited by the materials and activities—in each area of the curriculum—that her teacher has prepared and presented to her.

Although students are free to work at their own pace, they’re not going it alone. The Montessori teacher closely observes each child and provides materials and activities that advance his learning by building on skills and knowledge already gained. This gentle guidance helps each child master the challenge at hand—and protects him from moving on before he’s ready, which is often what causes children to “fall behind.” Each child is challenged appropriately in each area of the curriculum to ensure that skills and competencies are fully developed and that the child is able to pursue his own unique interests.

It is often quite difficult to prepare an environment suited just for the very young child within our homes. A Montessori toddler classroom does just this; it creates a world that is perfectly sized and attuned to the developmental needs of a toddler. This allows for many moments of success, independence, and joy. Additionally, in the presence of warm, loving adults, the young child learns to become part of a larger community.

Gan Montessori values the lessons of community that happen when the size of the class is somewhat larger. A larger, multi-age class encourages students to rely on themselves and their peers as resources rather than going directly to a teacher for support first.

Montessori classes at the primary level and above might include 20–30 students whose ages span three years. All members of the community benefit from this configuration. Older students are proud to act as role models; younger ones feel supported and gain confidence about the challenges ahead. And all children develop their independence as they problem-solve with their peers within their classroom community.

In the third year, children finally get their turn to be leaders and take pride in being the oldest. While serving as role models for younger students, they reinforce and consolidate their own learning. Kindergarteners are introduced to progressively more advanced Montessori materials and sophisticated lessons. They experience an important period in which their previous learning from working with concrete Montessori materials begins to become permanent knowledge. Kindergarten is the culmination of the primary program.

Research studies show that Montessori children make a smooth transition to any elementary program and are well-prepared academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori children enter elementary school with curiosity, self-discipline, initiative, persistence, concentration, and a positive attitude toward school. Research has shown that Montessori materials and the structure of the classroom help children develop higher-level executive functioning skills that are clear indicators of school readiness and future success.

The Gan is a Jewish school with a Judaic program. We celebrate Shabbat and the Jewish holidays, introduce Hebrew language skills, and embrace our connection with our heritage and with Israel. Our students learn about spirituality, love, and kindness and develop self-identity through stories and lessons from Jewish culture.

We understand that every child comes from a family with their own unique Jewish connection, and we adhere to standards that make all parents feel comfortable. We welcome all children of the Jewish faith, no matter their affiliation or level of observance.

We maintain a robust security framework that includes controlled access, panic buttons for staff linked to law enforcement, reinforced doors and windows, a lockdown system, and ongoing assessments by local authorities. For security sensitivities, we can't disclose all measures publicly, but feel free to reach out for further details.