Berkshire Montessori School Inc

The Montessori School of the Berkshires (MSB) was founded by husband/wife Todd Covert and Meagan Ledendecker. Meagan, having grown up in her parents’ Montessori school in Tennessee, was inspired to bring an authentic Montessori experience to the Berkshires after seeking education for their then two year old daughter.  Several backyard brainstorming sessions and community meetings later, MSB took shape.

 

MSB began with in September 2006 with 24 students in Pre K through Kindergarten commonly known as the Children’s House in Montessori schools. The Elementary program began in the second year as the Kindergartners aged up and enrollment grew. Enrollment grew steadily each year expanding into two Children’s Houses and a full Elementary. Soon it was clear that we would need more space. After securing land and financing, construction began on the current campus; a 9,000 sq. ft. facility on 40 acres in Lenox Dale. Within a year, construction was nearly complete and we moved to the new campus in April of 2010. The new facility allowed further expansion to include Toddler and Adolescent Programs thus achieving the whole school Montessori vision for Toddler through 8th grade. In addition, the curriculum has expanded each year and now includes Drama, organic gardening, foundational Latin and Spanish immersion.

Ten years later, we are proud to fulfill our mission of working in the tradition of Dr. Maria Montessori to inspire children to develop independent thinking, self-assurance, inner discipline, and a love of learning in an authentic Montessori environment. We embrace this milestone as a measure of our success in bringing a lasting and thriving Montessori experience to the Berkshires. Over the years we have not only expanded our internal programs but have incorporated the wider community through service learning programs with Kimball Farms, CATA, the Lenox Garden Club, as well as the many businesses that welcome our adolescent students for internships.

Vision of the World

Our school aspires to create a world full of love and acceptance, a world rich with diversity, a world full of people pursuing their passions, and a world that is sustainable and environmentally-friendly.

Vision for the Child

We want to help children become well-rounded individuals who are independent thinkers, internally motivated, reflective, self-disciplined, and self-assured. We want children to enjoy the process of discovery and to genuinely love learning. We want children to develop as peacemakers who respect themselves and others, who appreciate differences, who embrace collaboration and cooperation, and who want to help and care for living things. We want children to learn how to take responsibility for their actions and care for their world both locally and globally.

Vision for the Teacher

 Teachers in our school should be compassionate, understanding, and flexible, while also maintaining high expectations and firm limits. As well-rounded, responsible individuals, the teachers should be passionate and joyful about their own process of learning, as well as in facilitating others’ learning. As models of cooperation and collaboration, teachers should demonstrate collegial relationships, reflective processes, and peaceful ways of resolving conflict. Teachers should also be caretakers of themselves, the children, the classroom, the community, and the earth.

Why Donate?

To provide children with the space to continue their quest for knowledge, understanding, and discovery, The Montessori School of the Berkshires needs your help. Like most independent schools, tuition alone does not cover the full cost of a child’s education at MSB. Gifts to the Annual Fund allow MSB to bridge the budget gap, keep tuition affordable, and provide the highest quality Montessori education possible. These gifts help to enhance the day-to-day life of every student and teacher by supporting a variety of programs including: academics, staff development, specialist classes, field trips and events, and the financial aid pool.