Help us raise $75,000 by July 31st

Our current challenges

Staffing shortage exacerbated by the Covid pandemic*
Unable to enroll more students, leaving families in need on our waiting list
Unable to offer competitive wages and benefits to retain and recruit staff

Your donation will help us

Recruit / hire new lead teachers & assistants
Offer competitive wages to current staff
Add health benefits for full-time staff
Create an Executive Director role to support our school and teachers as we grow
Continue serving our current families
Open up our waitlist to new students in the Monadnock Region
Continue to offer a diverse educational model to attract young families to the region who desire more than traditional childcare for their young children

*Child care sector has lost nearly 120,000 jobs nationally since February 2020 and a majority of respondents cited low wages as the reason why (Center for the Study of Childcare Employment)

Fostering a joy of learning since 1989

Established in 1989 by a passionate group of parents, Montessori Schoolhouse provides a safe, nurturing, and peaceful environment for children to grow, be curious, and explore their world, blending hands-on education with nature-based learning.

This August we will celebrate 35 years of providing families in the Monadnock Region with the highest quality education for their children from 16 months to 6 years through our 9-month school year and our summer camps.

Our unique approach

Respect for the Child

We believe each child is unique and learns best when given autonomy to choose work that corresponds with their internal needs and stay with it until those needs are met.

Sensitive Periods for Learning

We recognize periods when children are especially sensitive to learning specific skills and concepts and foster their learning potential by observing their natural inclinations.

A Prepared Environment 

Our classrooms are designed for children and are beautiful spaces, free from technology and distraction, with materials to aid exploration, independent thinking, and problem-solving.

Independence & Self-Discovery

Our teachers serve as guides, offering support and encouragement as children follow their innate desire to learn and explore, cultivating a lifelong love of learning.

Meet Ms. Kathy, founding member & lead teacher

If you know Montessori Schoolhouse, you know Ms. Kathy Glimenakis, a founding member who served on our Board for 7 years before she began teaching in 1996 and completed her American Montessori Society (AMS) certification training at the Northeast Montessori Institute.

Ms. Kathy has taught hundreds of students during her tenure at Montessori Schoolhouse and can't go anywhere in the greater Keene community without running into a former student or parent who has fond memories of their time at Montessori Schoolhouse.

What parents & alumni say:

“The preschool experience my children received was instrumental in shaping the young adults they are today. The school provided an incredible education, and a welcoming, inclusive environment that allowed them to explore their passions. I couldn't have asked for a better foundation to prepare them for life.” —Allison W., alumni parent of Jacob, Nate, and Lucas

“Montessori Schoolhouse has been incredible for our family. Our two older kids thrived there, developing a love for learning and strong social skills. We had no hesitation enrolling our youngest 10 years later, confident that he, too, will benefit from the school's nurturing, enriching environment.” —Julia B., alumni/current parent of Jack, James, and Ben

“Montessori is the invisible string that ties my experiences together. It fostered a sense of self discovery, exploration, and autonomous learning. While much of my day to day as a photographer involves looking through a camera viewfinder, Montessori first taught me to see the world around me without one.” —Nick G., age 37, alumni

Help preserve our 35-year legacy for future generations

We are urging our greater community of parents, friends, alumni, and community members to invest back into the school, and the people like Ms. Kathy, who have given so much to our children, and our community.

How you can help us reach our $75K goal right now:

Click the Donate button to become a one-time or recurring donor. Select an exisitng amount or choose your own. Payments accepted: ACH, debit, credit, Venmo, PayPal, Google Pay
Ask your employer to match your donation.
Send an email to our Fundraising Chair, Tina Essmaker, to become a matching donor for our campaign.
Share the URL to this campaign with your family & friends, and on your social media.
Share Text-to-Give info with family & friends: Text "Kathy" to 53-555.

Other ways you can help us right now:

We are hiring lead teachers and assistant teachers (details here)!
Volunteer with us! A small amount of your time makes a BIG impact. Send an email to Board President, Jeremy LaPlante, if you have expertise in one of the following areas: Fundraising, Marketing, Executive & Governance, Facilities Operations, or Alumni Relations.

We're a a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. You'll receive a tax donation receipt at the email address you provide upon donation.

Thank you for walking this path with us!

“We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe and are connected with each other to form one whole unity.”

—Dr. Maria Montessori

Montessori Schoolhouse of Cheshire County, Inc. 28 Hurricane Rd. Keene, NH 03431 (603) 352-3301 mshocc.org mshocc@gmail.com

All images © Nick Glimenakis, alum of our first class in 1989

Help Save Montessori Schoolhouse

Celebrate Our Past, Ensure Our Future

Team Members