Providence Montessori School Opens in Collegeville

The Providence Montessori School House opened in Collegeville Sept. 3, offering credentialed teachers trained in the famous method’s guided instructional approach.

Located in the former Goddard School Day Care Center on 115 Second Ave., co-founders Amy Augustine and Cassandra Maloney put roughly $80,000 into building renovations.

The goal of the school is to provide students aged six weeks through six years with an early foundation that facilitates a positive attitude towards school, an inner security, a sense of order, pride in the physical environment, abiding curiosity, and a habit of concentration, self-discipline, and a sense of responsibility, according to Rachael Morrison, Director of the Collegeville Economic Development Corporation.

Before the school came to town, parents interested in a Montessori education—one guided by the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori, twice-nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for designing curriculum honoring a child’s natural aptitude for acquiring knowledge—had to travel to Royersford or Phoenixville.

“We know there are many people working and living in this area who place a high value on a top-notch education as an important foundation for their children,” Augustine explained.  “In addition to offering the Montessori Method of teaching, which serves the whole child, we also believe it is important to provide the children with healthy snacks and are including programs in music and movement and exercise.”

Augustine and Maloney boast a collective 25 years of business management and education experience between the two, and have been offering personal tours of the school upon request for interested parents.

“For those who have already enrolled, it has been wonderful getting to know each family and child on an individual basis. As this school grows, I can see a wonderful community of families forming of those who already know a great deal about the Montessori Method and those who are just learning,” said Augustine.