Learn at your own pace, discover, explore

We believe in empowering children to discover, explore, and learn at their own pace. Montessori education focuses on individualized learning, hands-on experiences, and fostering a lifelong love for learning. Patricia McNicholas started CSMS in 1972 as Happy Hours Montessori at Olivet Church. In 1975 she built a three-room red schoolhouse at the current location called Centre Square Montessori Schoolhouse. The school has since expanded and now consists of two schools on a six-acre campus on historic Skippack Pike in Blue Bell, PA. 50+ Years of Empowering Students to Succeed Our school is licensed and inspected annually for our toddlers and extended care programs by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Service. Our nursery (three year olds), PreK (four year olds), kindergarten (five year olds) and elementary programs (grades 1-4) are all licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Centre Square Montessori Schoolhouse and Centre Square Academy meet and exceed PA Department of Education’s standards. All of our head teachers have been certified by the: American Montessori Internationale, American Montessori Society, Center for Montessori Teacher Education/NYor by the North American Montessori Center The Centre Square Academy music program is designed to exceed PA State Standards.

In the rooms, children choose work from open shelves and settle into it without hurry. Teachers observe first, then show a lesson to one child or a small group, matching the next step to what the child is ready for. Hands-on materials let a child repeat an activity until it clicks. The day moves at a child's pace, not a bell's.

Teachers work beside children rather than in front of a class. They observe what a child is ready for, then offer the next material at that moment. Small groups form around shared interests and readiness, so instruction stays personal. Head teachers are certified through recognized Montessori training programs, which prepares them to follow the child instead of a fixed script.

Rooms are arranged for independence. Materials sit on open shelves at a child's height, and work happens on small mats and tables rather than at assigned desks. The day moves in long, unhurried work periods, with time to finish and put things away. The curriculum is broad, and the sequence is designed so children build on what they already know.