Our graduates possess the intellectual capacity, self-knowledge, and good character to be difference-makers in our ever-changing world. The student journey begins with a toddler’s first experience with independence and ends with an Upper School student who has fully engaged in the education process, is inquisitive, responsible, and compassionate. Harborlight alumni know themselves and are ready to engage their world.
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Harborlight Montessori
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By The Numbers
List of 5 items.
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270
Students Enrolled -
35
Montessori Teachers -
16
Average Class Size -
18
Classrooms -
40
Cities and Towns Represented
At A Glance
List of 6 items.
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Authentic Montessori
Harborlight is accredited by the American Montessori Society. Our curriculum and programs are grounded in Montessori philosophy, and our teachers are Montessori-trained practitioners. -
Multiage Classrooms
The multiage classroom is a core feature of Montessori. It creates a community where younger children learn from observing the older ones, whose learning is reinforced by sharing. -
Three-Year Cycle
The three-year cycle allows children to develop at their own pace and affords teachers the opportunity to nurture and guide their students over a significant period of time. -
Personalized Instruction
One size does not fit all. A Montessori teacher is able to focus on each child as an individual, because we know that all children differ in their learning styles. -
Community Learning Partners
Using the community as a classroom is an integral part of the Montessori experience. Harborlight works with a diverse group of community partners to create exciting leaning experiences. -
Values, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Harborlight is a diverse community where each person is respected for who they are and what they bring to the community.
Recent News
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Debating the Past, Guiding the Future
Read MoreLast week, our Middle School students launched the year’s debate season with a provocative question:Which kind of society was more beneficial to live in — hunter-gatherer or agrarian?As expected, many took well-worn paths in their arguments. Advocates for agrarian life pointed to settled agriculture’s role in enabling cities, labor specialization, and technological innovation. Supporters of hunter-gatherer societies emphasized ecological balance, mobility, and a closer alignment with nature.These are worthwhile arguments, grounded in historical scholarship. But what left a deeper impression on me were the subtler, more human-centered, holistic lines of reasoning that surfaced in the room. Some students asked. . . -
A Joyful Summer in the Children’s House
Read MoreThis summer our Montessori Children’s House has been filled with sunshine, laughter, and countless opportunities for learning and connection. For our newest students, the experience began with a gentle phase-in period, allowing them to settle into the classroom at their own pace. With patience and enthusiasm, our older and more experienced classmates welcomed them and guided them through daily routines while modeling the grace, courtesy, and independence that define our community.Much of our time was spent outdoors, where the playground, gardens, and sprinklers became joyful extensions of the classroom. Children collected rocks and weeds to make mud pies and nature ‘soup’ in the side yard, observed growing plants in the gardens, and cooled off under the spray of water on warm mornings.We also enjoyed special experiences that made this summer truly memorable. Mark Binder, master storyteller, brought tales to life that sparked imaginations. “The Bubble Guy” delighted everyone with shimmering, floating creations that danced through the air. Our field trip to the North Shore Music Theatre to see “Finding Nemo” was another highlight, giving the children the magic of live performance.Inside the classroom, learning never paused. Students extended their skills in math, reading, and writing, explored practical life activities, and dove into fascinating science lessons. The Montessori environment, rich in materials and guided by curiosity, allowed the children to work with the materials that nurtured their love for learning.
Watch the video to see the smiles, discoveries, and Children’s House moments that have made this summer at Harborlight unforgettable so far! And, we will have 10 more days to make more summer 2025 memories!
CHILDREN'S HOUSE HIGHLIGHTS -
Sports Adventures
Read MoreHarborlight’s upper school summer students just wrapped up an incredible stretch—and what a couple of weeks it was! Everyone stayed active, learned new skills, and made fantastic memories.The session began with skill-building in volleyball and wiffle ball, followed by archery, and finished with basketball drills and challenges. Whether setting the perfect volley or hitting balloons and cups on the bullseye, everyone brought great energy and sportsmanship.They enjoyed a refreshing outdoor adventure, paddle boarding in the coves near Salem Willows. The water was calm, and everyone had a chance to paddle, balance, and explore the coastline like seasoned pros.They traveled to see the Portland Sea Dogs. Not only did they cheer on the team, but they also caught a foul ball. The group appeared on the Jumbotron several times thanks to their energy and dance moves, and the stadium gave a big welcome shout-out to Harborlight. The smiles were as big as the scoreboard.Lynch Park was the perfect setting to practice beach volleyball skills—rotating on the court, setting, bumping, and serving—before exploring tidal pools and spotting sea creatures, including a couple of shrimp. Back at Harborlight, they wrapped up the first week with Frozen Friday and batting practice. Can you believe that all fit into only 5 days?Week two was equally action-packed. Highlights included visiting the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield where they saw if they ‘measured-up’ to the height of Muggsy Bogues or Candace Parker, and compared themselves to the 7’ 3” wingspan of Giannis Antetokuonmpo! Some took a turn behind the replica desk of the “Inside the NBA” set and called the game on a virtual broadcast while others played hoops on the Dream Court.They traded in their sneakers for golf shoes (well… imaginary ones!) as they headed to the driving range. With patient practice, they learned how to grip the club, line up their shot, and send the ball soaring—sometimes straight, sometimes… not so straight, but always with a smile. After perfecting their swings they wrapped up the afternoon with the ultimate hole-in-one reward: ice cream!. Whether it was plain vanilla or a towering chocolate with rainbow sprinkles, every scoop tasted like success!Tennis anyone? Sure! They learned to play tennis in a morning! and that only brought the momentum for more … But, wait! Who did they find at the Gordon College Hall of Fame? None other than Lower Elementary Teacher, Cindy Perreault (Soccer, Inducted 2023). On belay, belay on! Indoor rock-climbing park still didn’t wear this group out as they ‘scaled to new heights’ and came back to play soccer in the Harborlight field.At last, day 10 was a perfect “10” – a little sun and sand was in order over at Dane Street Beach. The best spot to rest and reflect on the last two weeks together….and start making plans for Sports Adventures 2026! -
Summer on Two Wheels
Read MoreThere’s something timeless about childhood summers spent on a bike — the wind in your hair, splashing through puddles, calling out “Look! No hands!” to your friends as you coast down the street. For many of us, those moments were the heart of summer, filled with laughter, scraped knees, and endless freedom.
Today, quiet neighborhood streets where kids once played for hours are harder to come by. At Harborlight, we make sure these simple joys aren’t lost. During our summer program, elementary students bring their bikes or scooters and join friends for safe, carefree rides around campus. Here, they can feel that same rush of adventure, learn new tricks, and make the kind of lasting memories that belong to a happy childhood. -
Full STEAM Ahead: Innovation, Exploration, and Joy
Read MoreSummer learning bursts to life with creativity, curiosity, and connection, and this year’s “Full STEAM Ahead” session was no exception. Designed to immerse children in the exciting world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), the program balanced hands-on projects with the joys of a coastal New England summer.From the first day, students explored physics and motion by creating their own model cars and planes, testing aerodynamics and speed in the classroom and on the playground runway. Next, was whimsical kaleidoscope-making and learning about symmetry, reflection, and color theory. Each student’s creation was as unique as their imagination. -
Let’s Go! Summer starts with adventures
Read MoreHarborlight’s home base may be filled with joyful learning, but this session was all about getting out and going places! Hiking the shoreline, cooling off at the beach, mini-golf, bowling, rainy-day puzzles, skating at Roller World, arcade games and summer treats at the Salem Willows, field games in the park, shopping at Rocky Neck, watching the salt water taffy pull (and eating it!), and riding the 94-year-old wooden, roller coaster at Canobie Lake Park, the “Let’s Go!” crew visited the sweet nostalgia of the North Shore!We’re so proud of our students for embracing every opportunity to create community and explore with curiosity. From beach towels to roller skates, hiking boots to ride tickets, this was a summer session full of adventures and we can’t wait to do it all again in Let’s Go 2026! -
Small Farming on our Montessori Campus
Read MoreIt is easy to miss, even in summertime. Harborlight’s small farm is just a few garden beds scattered around campus, a greenhouse, and a modest chicken coop. But it provides an extension of the classroom that is as meaningful as it is seasonal. Where the summers are sweet but fleeting, the growing season on our campus becomes a powerful place-based learning opportunity. Children’s connection to the earth, their food, and their responsibility to a living environment deepens as they engage in purposeful, hands-on work. -
Observing Life Cycles and Understanding Metamorphosis
All seven Children's House classrooms are anticipating the emergence of beautiful butterfliesRead More
“We must study the correlation between life and the environment. In nature all is correlated. This is the purpose of nature. Nature is not concerned just with the conservation of individual life or with the betterment of itself. It is a harmony, a plan of construction. Everything fits into the plan: rocks, earth, water, plants, man, etc. ” - Maria Montessori, the 1946 London Lectures
Children's House classrooms explore botany and biology by first learning the simple difference between living and non-living. The children, even at the age of three, can eagerly share that "living things" need food and water (nourishment), can breathe, and will grow. It is not uncommon to walk into a Children's House classroom in the fall and find everything (including teachers and children) labeled with the words "living" and "non-living."
These simple studies then lead to the difference between "plants" and "animals." The natural world then comes alive, pardon the pun, as students begin to observe and classify different specimens from the Plant Kingdom and explore the unique characteristics of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and insects. The spring, of course, is the perfect time to concentrate on our insect friends. Including, of course, the fan favorites....butterflies.
Is there anything more impressive than watching caterpillars crawl to the roofs of their little habitats, create J formations, and then silently begin the phenomenal metamorphosis that happens inside their chrysalis ...only to emerge two weeks later as a butterflies? I think not.
Please ask your children about their caterpillars so that they can share this experience with you. And, stayed tuned as this life cycle continues. -
Nurturing Scientific Observation Through Botany in Children’s House
Read More“There must be provision for the child to have contact with nature; to understand and appreciate the order, the harmony and the beauty in nature.” - Maria Montessori, The Secret of ChildhoodChildren’s House is filled with botany lessons at this time of year. These activities offer young children more than just an introduction to the world of plants, they provide a vital foundation for scientific thinking and observation. Dr. Maria Montessori recognized that children are naturally curious about the living world and interest in nature is powerful for learning.Botany studies start when young children begin to care for a classroom plant, match leaf shapes, or explore parts of a flower. They are practicing observation, classification, and attention to detail. These foundational skills are essential to scientific inquiry. The Montessori botany materials in the classroom include the puzzle of the parts of a leaf, flower, and tree and are designed to isolate specific characteristics that invite the child to notice, compare, identify, and ask questions.Botany also encourages a sense of awe and respect for life. When children participate in planting seeds or observe the changes in a sprouting bean, they begin to understand natural cycles and the interconnectedness of living things.These lessons support the development of the scientific mind, a mind that observes with care, thinks with curiosity, and acts with reverence for life. It’s a beautiful example of how the Montessori approach prepares children to engage with the world around them. -
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The Power of Read-Aloud: Enhancing Literacy and Finding Joy in Reading with Children
Read MoreWe want to take a moment to share with you the incredible impact that reading aloud can have on your child’s literacy development.Here, in our classrooms, the teachers are hard at work being more intentional about their read-aloud practices. To deepen our collective understanding and continue improving this method, Harborlight hosted a Teacher Professional Workshop on Intentional Read-Aloud last Wednesday evening – yes after their long day of teaching! Following a tasty meal and a Head of School report from Mike, the teachers separated into small groups to dive into their training. These workshops focused on best practices for selecting meaningful literature and specifically learning about student engagement during read-aloud sessions - guiding making predictions, using moments to connect text to personal experiences, and choosing open questions to encourage conversation and reflection. -
JANUARY 24, 2015 – 10 years ago today, Cece
Read MoreDuring Harborlight’s Winter Trimester, middle school (6th – 8th) students have their class schedule condensed into a 4-day week, with Fridays dedicated to skiing and snowboarding at Wachusett Mountain. But, this isn’t just about hitting the mountains for fun—it’s an opportunity for our students to develop important life skills that go beyond the classroom.Having one less day each week to accomplish their learning goals provides students with a challenge to manage their time more efficiently. They learn how to balance schoolwork, homework, and afterschool activities. Whether it’s submitting schoolwork before the skiing day, adjusting afternoons to attend homework club, or eking out a final assignment or chapter on the early-morning bus ride, they gain a sense of how to prioritize and organize their commitments. The aim here is for our students to begin healthy habits early and appreciate a work-life balance for overall well-being throughout their lives.Skiing and snowboarding require focus, preparation, and an understanding of personal safety. Students take personal responsibility for themselves in a variety of ways: managing their own equipment, making sure they pack everything they need for the day, eating a healthy lunch during break, staying aware of their surroundings, and being mindful of pre-set times to check-in with the group or teachers. They are also prepared to look out for their classmates—whether it's helping a friend navigate the chair lift for the first time, boosting the confidence of a classmate on a tricky slope, or simply sticking together as a group. This sense of accountability builds confidence and a deeper understanding of the importance of community.Much like the Project Adventure unit during the Fall Trimester, skiing and snowboarding offers the perfect Going-Out experience for our students to step outside their comfort zones and take on new challenges. Both beginners and the experienced skiers have a lesson, each time learning new skills and overcoming obstacles. The rest of the day teaches perseverance, resilience, and the ability to fail (more like flop) and try again—It’s about learning how to push limits and take risks, skills that are essential for growth.This 4-day school week isn’t just about having more free time—it’s an opportunity to engage their world in a whole new way. Graduates leave Harborlight not only with academic knowledge but with a deep sense of responsibility, independence, self-reliance, and the ability to take on challenges with a positive attitude. After this experience they’re ready to tackle whatever comes next…. the next thrilling run down the mountain… Karen or Laura’s next test … A big role in Katie’s play… high school and beyond! -
Happy New Year from Upper El Mandarin Class
Read MoreA poem from Upper Upper El Mandarin Class
I am your tree trunk (teacher).You are my tree branches (students).We learn together.We celebrate together.
Happy New Year! -
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The Story of the First Thanksgiving
The story of the first Thanksgiving as it has been told and continues to be told, is a disservice to the truth and to those most affected by this: The First Peoples of this nation. Thanksgiving, also known as a National Day of Mourning to many Native Americans, is a reminder of the disease, oppression, and genocide that the arrival of the colonial settlers brought. “Native American people who first encountered the "pilgrims" at what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts play a major role in the imagination of American people today.Read More -
The Classroom Without Walls
Maria Montessori wrote extensively about the importance of nature in education: the classroom without walls. The stone table is one of several outdoor classroom elements that make up Harborlight’s outdoor learning environment.Read More -
HVAC Upgrades
Read MoreThe school was closed for regular classes yesterday in honor of Veteran's Day; however, it was still a busy day on campus! -
Fall Festival Photos
Please enjoy these photos by Gail Estes Photography.Read More
https://gailestes.passgallery.com/-fallfestival -
Día de muertos
Día de muertos or Day of the Dead is a traditional 3-day holiday celebrated throughout several Latin American countries from October 31st through November 2nd, dating back over 3,000 years to the pre-Hispanic Inca, Maya, and Aztec civilizations. It is rooted in the devotion to, honor and worship of ancestors and deceased loved ones. Their souls or spirits are welcomed back as they return to visit us in the world of the living.Read More
Upcoming Events
List of 3 events.
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Assembly: Hispanic Heritage
Join us for our Hispanic Heritage Assembly, a special event where students share their learning and appreciation for Hispanic languages and cultures. Through music, art, skits, poetry, and creative presentations, students will showcase what they’ve explored and discovered. This joyful gathering highlights not only the richness of Hispanic heritage but also the creativity and collaboration of our students. Families are warmly invited to attend and celebrate this vibrant cultural tradition with us.Location: Main Building - Middle School Auditorium - MSAUD -
School Photo Day
Hayward Photography will be visiting our school to take student photos, capturing this special moment in the year. More details, including scheduling and ordering information, will be shared soon. -
Senior Band Opens for NS Big Band
The North Shore Big Band is a jazz band from the North Shore area of Massachusetts, specifically based in Salem, MA, that performs traditional big band music and swing tunes. Directed by Dennis Shafer and Tris Coffin, the band plays beloved swing classics by artists like Duke Ellington and Count Basie, as well as modern arrangements and original music, and is known to perform at local venues like Backbeat Brewing Company.Location: Backbeat Brewing Company
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About Harborlight
Harborlight Montessori is a non-profit, private, independent, school for students from Preschool through Grade 8.
Middle School, Elementary, Preschool, Afterschool, Summer Programs, Vacation Week Programs
Middle School, Elementary, Preschool, Afterschool, Summer Programs, Vacation Week Programs
©2019 Harborlight Montessori. All Rights Reserved.