Harborlight At A Glance

List of 7 items.

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  Authentic Montessori

  The world is finally catching on to something a woman named Dr. Maria Montessori designed more than 100 years ago. Today, Montessori is a household name, but the hallmarks are not always as well understood. Allow us to illustrate what makes for an authentic Montessori education:
  

  • Students are grouped in multi-age classrooms, where they spend a three-year cycle: ages 1-3; 3-6; 6-9; 9-12; 12-15
  • Teachers who are specifically educated (credentialed) apply the Montessori method in the classroom, using the didactic materials and lessons in an integrated, developmental approach
  • A full complement of Montessori materials, activities, and experiences are available within each classroom that are designed to foster intellectual, creative, physical and social independence
  • A schedule that allows large blocks of uninterrupted work time for problem solving, understanding the interconnections of ideas and creating new thought
  • Individual and small group learning allows for the child to become self-directed, responsible for their learning, and find a balance between personal mastery and participation in collaborative projects
  • Authentic performance assessment based on portfolios, student work samples, test scores, projects and applied learning outcomes
  • Students engaged in purposeful activity and learning for the sake of learning – about themselves, their world, and how they can make a difference
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  Community Values

  We believe that respect for each individual is the cornerstone of a safe, healthy community. While this is an essential part of the Montessori philosophy, we know that creating and maintaining a diverse and safe community requires an ongoing commitment; one that we fully embrace.
  
  We work to promote and sustain a school culture and climate that instills and imparts dignity and a sense of shared responsibility for the well-being of each other and that of our larger community. 

  A strong school community is created through daily practice. At Harborlight, children learn to listen, communicate clearly, care for shared spaces, solve problems thoughtfully, and consider the impact of their choices on others.
  
  

  We value commitment, cooperation, communication, and concern for one another. These are  skills children use every day in the classroom, on the playground, during group projects, and out in the world.
  
  

  Harborlight Montessori does not discriminate on the basis of gender, gender identity and expression, race, religion, family structure, socioeconomic level, culture, age, sexual orientation, language, or learning style in the administration of its educational program, admissions or other School policies.
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  Teachers who know your child well

  Each classroom is a thriving social and learning community and our I

  low student-to-teacher ratio gives children the attention they need to be seen, understood, and thoughtfully guided. Many members of our faculty and staff have been part of Harborlight (or the greater Montessori community) for 20, even 30 or more years. Their long-standing commitment brings a rare sense of continuity to the school. For second-generation Harborlight families, it often means returning to a place where familiar faces remember their family, understand the school’s history, and welcome their children with genuine care.
  
  

  Our faculty includes a strong team of highly trained Montessori educators across every level of the school. This depth of experience creates consistency from classroom to classroom and from one developmental stage to the next. Families can feel confident that their child’s learning journey is connected, relational, and purposeful.
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  Room to grow, academically and personally

  Children do not all learn in the same way or on the same timetable. Harborlight’s multi-age classrooms allow teachers to meet students where they are and guide them forward.
  
  

  Harborlight students stay with the same teaching team and classmates through a multi-year cycle, creating the time and trust needed for real growth. Younger children learn by observing what is possible ahead of them. Older students develop leadership by mentoring, explaining, and setting an example.
  
  

  This continuity helps children build strong friendships, work through differences, and feel a genuine sense of belonging. It also allows teachers to understand each child’s strengths, interests, and next steps over time. In relationships where children feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and try again, they are more willing to take academic risks. That trust gives teachers the insight and time to respond early, build on each child’s strengths, and close learning gaps before they become lasting barriers.
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  Learning beyond classroom walls

  Exploring and utilizing the world outside the classroom walls is an integral process in the Montessori experience. Harborlight is thrilled to have formed some wonderful community partnerships with organizations such as Gloucester Stage Company, Maritime Gloucester, and Salem Sound Coastwatch to enhance the learning that is done on campus.
  
  

  At Harborlight, the world is part of the curriculum. Students participate in a variety of field trips each year to explore nature, visit local libraries and museums, take part in service projects, and plan meaningful experiences connected to what they are studying in science labs or out on local farms.
  
  

  As children grow, so does their responsibility for planning their off campus experiences. They learn how to research, organize, communicate, budget, and work together…whether they are tide pooling on the coast, taking the commuter rail into the city, or traveling on an overnight learning adventure.
  
  

  These experiences make learning memorable. More importantly, they help children see that what they learn matters beyond a test or assignment.
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  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  Harborlight Montessori actively seeks qualified students, faculty, and staff to reflect the diverse backgrounds of our community. Harborlight strives to provide an enriching curriculum and educational experience for all students, recognizing that global teaching and learning helps form strong, positive self-concepts and develops respect for human differences. Harborlight’s curriculum and philosophy encourage understanding and respect for these differences while affirming the fundamental similarities of humankind. Our cooperative community protects and encourages the exploration of new concepts. It also honors and nurtures the curiosity of each child.
  
  All members of the Harborlight community are valued for their contributions, talents, and opinions. The philosophy, curriculum, and administration of our programs aim to create an inclusive learning environment with respect to economic background, gender, gender identity and expression, race, national and ethnic origin, cultural heritage, religion, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, and political beliefs. Harborlight integrates diversity and character education into each learning opportunity to empower students to actively approach each new experience with courtesy and acceptance.
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  History

  Harborlight Montessori had its beginnings as Harborlight, a pre-School in Beverly, in 1973. The founding head, Susan Egan, was Head of School until 2011. In 1989 a group of Harborlight parents and teachers formed Children’s Montessori School (CMS) in Ipswich. CMS eventually moved to Beverly and “Stoneridge” was added to its name. In 2012 the Schools reunited as Harborlight-Stoneridge, offering an exceptional education to children aged 4 months through 14 years from communities throughout the North Shore. Today, we are Harborlight Montessori – a school steeped in history and engaging our world every day.