Our School
Acorn Montessori School is a close-knit community of passionate, deeply invested educators and families, united by a shared commitment to nurturing each child’s development and love of learning through the Montessori approach.
Serving children from toddlerhood through the elementary years, Acorn Montessori School
is a time-tested institution known for its thoughtful education, strong relationships, and enduring excellence.
Our mission
Acorn Montessori’s mission is:
- to provide an enriching Montessori-based education that fosters the child’s innate love of learning, creativity and wonder;
- to cultivate dynamic partnerships between family, school and community;
- to celebrate the human spirit and honor the diversity among us; and
- to inspire and impact society through academic excellence and service.
Our model
Acorn Montessori School
is an early childhood, independent Montessori School for children ages 15 months through age 12. We are affiliated with the American Montessori Society, and a member of the New Jersey Montessori Administrators Council.
Acorn has assembled a dedicated Montessori faculty balanced by academic, art, music, foreign language, yoga/mindfulness and education specialists and professionals. Each classroom is led by a Montessori-certified teacher, supported by assistant teachers.
Our Elementary students may continue their education at public or private schools, assured of well-rounded and developed study skills and knowledge. Students leave Acorn with a sense of self-confidence and comfort in tackling a new environment and expectations.
Our campus
Acorn Montessori School
is located in west-central New Jersey in beautiful Hunterdon County, near the town of Clinton, and is approximately one hour from New York City and Philadelphia, PA. The school has five country acres with classrooms spread throughout 5 buildings. There are playgrounds for each level, (toddler, primary, and elementary) along with flower and vegetable gardens.
The Toddler House program is for children ages 15 months (or confidently walking) through three years of age. The Children’s House has three Primary (early childhood) classrooms for children ages 3 through kindergarten. The Elementary program is for children 1st through 6th grade. The administrative offices are located above the Children’s House.
Acorn Montessori School is a 501(c)3 organization.
Our history
On September 5, 1984, Acorn Montessori School
welcomed ten eager children into their carefully prepared classroom, the Fellowship Hall at the Allerton Methodist Church. Clinton Township Mayor Ted Savage attended the opening day ceremony, planting an oak tree to symbolize how little acorn seeds grow into strong and glorious oaks. By the end of the first year, there were 24 children, ages three to six in the class.
Enrollment reached fifty by the end of the second year, and Acorn moved south on Route 31 to the Karma Restaurant building, formerly a farmer’s home that had been displaced by Round Valley Reservoir. After a summer of scrubbing, painting and ordering new furniture and materials, Black Oak and Golden Oak were ready in the fall of 1985. As enrollment increased, new classrooms were added, White Oak in 1990 and Red Oak in 1991.
In September 1994, ten dogwoods were planted to celebrate our tenth anniversary along with a ribbon cutting ceremony to inaugurate the new Toddler House and Enrichment Barn (Greenhouse). At that time, Acorn had a staff of 20 and 154 children. In September 1999, Acorn grew to include the Great Oaks Elementary Class.
Over the years, Acorn Montessori School has strived to develop in each of its students a love of learning and to create an environment that nurtures the child at a time in their young lives when he or she absorbs knowledge naturally and enthusiastically.
“Both of our children have thrived and we love the community we’ve found at Acorn.”
K. MacDonald
“Acorn has empowered my children with the confidence they need to keep progressing in their education.”
C. Stone
“Acorn is a vibrant, inspiring environment where our children ignite their curiosity and passion for lifelong learning. The sense of community here extends beyond the classroom, connecting us with other families and creating lasting friendships.”
