School's History

Terry Armstrong is one of the founding directors of Madison Montessori School and her steady influence over it remains as she continues to head the school. Her leadership is responsible for the school's continuing stability.

From its humble beginnings in 1981-with one classroom, eight children, and two teachers-the school has grown to include three classrooms, 66 students, eight teachers, special instructors, and assistants.

Many of those first students have graduated from college. Yet when asked to explain how the school has changed over time, Terry and the teachers note how much MMS has remained true to its roots. Parents continue to play a critical role in the school, and Montessori's emphasis on structure, self-discipline and learning with three-dimensional manipulatives is as much the driving philosophy at MMS today as it was in 1981.

The special character of the school-its intimacy, sense of shared purpose, and fierce dedication to children-makes MMS a place of enduring influence. Many parents of first generation MMS children credit the school for fostering the qualities that have helped their adult children adjust and succeed.

Madison Montessori School was incorporated in 1981 as a non-profit corporation. The school offers a non-graded, educational program for children two and one half to six years of age. The school is independent, non-sectarian, non-profit, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, or ethnic origin.

The Bureau of Licensing, Division of Youth and Family Services, and the State of New Jersey Department of Human Services license the Madison Montessori School. The school meets all state laws and regulations governing child care centers. The school license is posted in the lobby. A copy of the Manual of Requirements for New Jersey Child Care Centers is available to all parents for review.

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