Early Childhood Program

In This Section

Nardin Montessori Early Childhood Program fosters self-esteem, independence, self-motivation, respect for others, and a strong sense of community, continually supporting children while they come to experience a love of learning. A Montessori education is characterized by a focus on the whole child. Activities promote the development not only of the cognitive skills, but also of emotional growth, physical coordination and social interaction. This development occurs in a carefully designed environment that is aesthetically pleasing and enticing to the child.

The Montessori Classroom

The Montessori classroom provides an opportunity for the child to reach his or her maximum potential through experiential learning. Materials are designed to be explored and repeated. The role of the Montessori teacher in the classroom is to design the environment, guide and facilitate the child's learning, act as a role model, and serve as a keen observer of the child's total development. Peer learning is also an important aspect of the Montessori philosophy.

The Three-Year Cycle

All classes contain a multi-aged grouping of students, which allows interaction and reinforcement between experienced and younger children, and fosters a sense of responsibility and social care. The children stay in the same class for all three years, entering at the age of three and staying through their kindergarten year.

Outdoor Play

Children go outdoors every day, weather permitting. The Nardin Montessori campus on West Ferry Street has large front and backyard play areas with sandboxes, play structures, a garden, trees, and open space to run and play.

Class Size

The teacher-child ratio is approximately 1:11 with class sizes range from 22 to 33 students.

School Day

Parents can choose either a 3- or 5-day-per-week program and may also select either full- or half-day sessions. Full day programs: 5-day 8:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Half-day programs: 3-half-day (T-W-TH) and 5-half-day 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Note: only three-year-olds are eligible for a three-day program.

After School Program

To accommodate our families' needs, Nardin Montessori offers an after-school program, for students in the full day programs. There is a separate fee for after-school hours.

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A private, independent, Catholic school in Buffalo, NY, with coed Montessori, Lower and Middle Schools and a college preparatory High School for young women.