Derry Montessori Children's Center

                                                         


Derry Montessori Children's CenterFounder: Donna J. Compagna
    Hi, and welcome to our new Web Site. We hope you will take a few moments to browse through and tell us what you think by e-mailing us with your comments. The center was founded by Donna J. Compagna in 1982, with the hope that it would provide an alternative to traditional education. Maria Montessori felt that a nurturing environment was important for a child’s growth and development. Now Maria’s philosophy of teaching is in practice across America. Our hope was to introduce children to their inherent ability to absorb everything in their environment through seeing, hearing and touching, and to give each child the opportunity to find comfort, love and safety in their world by being in this "child centered" environment. This is exactly the kind of environment our center offers, and we would like to leave you with this quote: "Education is a journey, not a race". We believe strongly that it is, so please take your time and enjoy your visit.



Home Page

Philosophy of Montessori Education

Curriculum

A Traditional Class V.S. Montessori Class 

Program Information And Billing Procedures

Registration

Annual Spring Auction

History

The Derry Montessori Children's Center was founded in 1982, starting with just a handful of children. We are proud to say that now there is an enrollment of up to 80 children. Within two years we were incorporated as a non-profit organization. As of August 1984 we have been operating as such.

The educational philosophy of the center is based on the teachings of Maria Montessori and since 1984 we have been affiliated with the American Montessori Society.

The discoveries that Maria Montessori found on children's needs and their developmental processes, has brought vision and renewal to education on a world wide level over the years. Maria's theory on individualization in the classroom allows a setting for maximum growth and development in all social and academic areas, promotes self-esteem and gives the children a strong sense of pride and responsibility. Children who experience this type of learning will carry their experiences from the classroom throughout their lives.

Programs

Programs include a 5-day morning session from 8:30 to 11:30, an afternoon session from 12:30 to 3:30 PM and extended sessions lasting to 2:30 PM for the Kindergarten children. We also offer, with limited enrollment, a 3-day, 3-hour program. Kindergarten is offered for those children entering the private and public school systems the following year.

We also offer a summer program for the months of July and August, based on parent interest. This program runs from 8:30 to 1:30 PM 5 days a week with an option for extended hours if needed and includes many outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, camping, learning about wild life conservation, music, theatre, wood working, cooking, arts and crafts and much more. This program is offered to alumni as well as to presently enrolled students.

The specific goals for the children who attend the center are

  • Develop a positive attitude toward the joy of learning.
  • To help develop and foster in the child and abiding curiosity.
  • To foster inner discipline and a sense of order.
  • To assist each child in building a habit of concentration for lifelong study skills.
  • To develop habits of initiative and persistence.
  • To help the child develop his/her sensory-motor skills in order to help sharpen his/her ability to discriminate and judge.
  • To help the child develop socially acceptable behavior.
  • To give the child the basic skills necessary for a lifetime of learning.
  • To help each child develop to their innate, ultimate potential through high expectations of themselves.
  • To help each child develop self-esteem.

Accreditation, Affiliations and Memberships

We are a member of the American Montessori Society, the Audubon Society and NAEYC.

The Derry Montessori Children's Center admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities available to students at the center. The Derry Montessori Children's Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color or national and ethnic origins in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and or other school administered programs


Call us at 1(603)-432-8345 | E-mail us with any comments | To History