Pincushion Hill Montessori School is comprised of three Children's House classrooms (ages 2.9-6) and a Lower Elementary classroom (ages 6-9). It is our mission to cultivate a love of learning among all students, and to encourage collaboration rather than competition. We create an environment that fosters independence, values, diversity, and provides the opportunity for a student to proceed at his or her own pace.

Surroundings have a great deal to do with the creation of an atmosphere of learning. Our classrooms are our student’s home away from home and we strive to make them as attractive and comfortable as possible. They are warm, bright, inviting, colorful rooms, filled with plants, animals, art, music and books.

Montessori classrooms are commonly referred to as a prepared environment. This name reflects the care and attention that is given to creating a learning environment that will reinforce the children's independence and intellectual development. Our Montessori classrooms fascinate both children and their parents. They are filled with intriguing learning materials, fascinating mathematical models, maps, charts, fossils, historical artifacts, computers, scientific apparatus, and animals that the children are raising. Each class is designed to help a student progress from the concrete to the abstract in all areas of study. You do not find rows of desks in our classrooms. The rooms are set up to facilitate student discussion and stimulate collaborative learning.

One glance and it is clear that our children feel comfortable and safe. At all times during the school day, there are staff members who are first aid and CPR trained. We follow a positive program of safety, health education and close supervision. As a result, we have maintained an excellent safety record.

Students will typically be found scattered around the classroom, working alone or with one or two others. They tend to become so involved in their work that visitors are immediately struck by the peaceful atmosphere. It may take a moment to spot the teachers within the environment. They will be found working with one or two children at a time, advising, presenting a new lesson, or quietly observing the class at work.