NurturiNg BouNdless

CuriositythaCher MoNtessori sChool

1425 Blue hill avenue | Milton, Massachusetts 02186

617-361-2522 | www.thacherschool.org

• Internationally recognized Montessori educational philosophy which strives to provide children with “the keys to the universe,” fan the spark of curiosity and cultivate a lasting love of learning

• Multiage groupings, uninterrupted blocks of work time, and guided choice of work activity within a stimulating child-centered environment

• Experiential curriculum designed to inspire and intrigue students, including a partnership with a small working farm adjacent to the school

• Deep immersion into creative activities—such as music, advanced-level ceramics and fine arts, plant and animal care, student-run businesses—that can ignite life-long passions

• Sports and recreation opportunities—including basketball, soccer, skiing, and more—with emphasis on teamwork and good sportsmanship

• Pathways to personal growth—education of the whole child, including social skills, practical life skills, and cultural literacy

EvErything a child nEEds to thrivE

“ I couldn’t believe when our boys would be sad on Fridays because they couldn’t go to school for two days.”

– thaCher pareNt

Education powErEd by Enthusiasm, at EvEry turn.

Mission

thacher Montessori school is a diverse,

collaborative learning community. through

the Montessori Method we embrace each

child’s unique potential and cultivate a passion

for discovery. We empower children to achieve

academic excellence and become confident,

compassionate, and proactive members of

the world community.

Like you, we understand that there’s no one else exactly like your child. This focus on every person’s distinctive abilities, interests, and stage of development is the foundation for everything we do at Thacher. The recognition and celebration of every unique Thacher student is reinforced each day, as your child is welcomed into the school day with a handshake.

wE wElcomE individuals

PhILoSoPhy & EnvIronMEnt

The percentage of Thacher students above age 3 who perform in public each year

100 40The number of towns and

cities our students and their families come from

50The number of eggs harvested

by our Adolescent Program students every week.

“Good morning. Great to see you!”

– deBa palMa, direCtor of adMissioNs & fiNaNCial aid

AcADEMIcS

When daily learning is a self-directed adventure, a child’s natural enthusiasm for discovery is fully unleashed. And Thacher’s experienced and observant guides know how to capitalize on every moment throughout the day to convey the most valuable life lessons.

At Thacher, the student—not the teacher—is the center of attention. our specially trained guides gain deep insight into your child’s development and craft an individualized path just for them. over time, a well-rounded, intellectually curious lifetime learner emerges, ready to take on the most rigorous next steps, whether that’s a competitive secondary school, intensive work in the arts or sciences, or further exploration of a deeply held area of interest.

your child is alrEady a lEadEr

“We liked that the Montessori system provided a well-recognized standard. Our son is kind of an ‘old

soul,’ and the people at Thacher spotted that and nurtured it. We have friends whose elementary

school kids do worksheets. It’s such a contrast to the rich

experience our kids have.” – thaCher pareNt

“ We don’t teach. We allow our students to discover.” – thaCher guide, loWer eleMeNtary

“real life” isn’t arbitrarily broken down into 50-minute periods, age-based segregation, or hard-and-fast boundaries among academic disciplines. That’s why the integrated philosophy embraced by Thacher is a better way to prepare your child—not only for his or her next school, but for an entire life’s journey.

Thacher is truly a community unto itself. Within the multi-age groupings of our Montessori classrooms, older students become natural mentors to the younger children, and interactions between adults and students are mutually respectful. The result is a child who is comfortable negotiating social situations and experienced in forming deep friendships and relationships within a community.

prEparation for a richEr lifE

coMMUnIty

“you’re not just memorizing facts. you’re

learning how to think. you learn to work in groups, which totally

prepares you for high school because you’re

used to group discussion and class participation.”

– thaCher aluMNus

“ I would tell a parent: ‘Bring your child to Thacher if you want your child to learn instead of worrying about learning.’”

– thaCher aluMNus

a placE to truly bElong “ At five, our eldest son, a smart, inquisitive boy, started out in public school. So many times, he was being asked to ‘wait for the group,’ when he was clearly ready to move on. His teachers even explained they were forced to ‘teach to the middle.’ At Thacher, they truly follow each child’s lead. Our three sons all have different learning styles and they have all thrived.” – thaCher pareNt

toddler program (to age 3)Serious work is a joyous activity for Thacher toddlers.Even at this early age, children are already determining the kind of people they will become as adults. Fostering confidence and independence is our aim right from the start. Engaging, multi-sensory environments inspire new discoveries each day. crucial hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills are continuously nurtured and modeled by guides trained to recognize each student’s unique potential during this critical stage.

our programs

Children’s house (3-year curriculum, ages 3-6)Strengthening self-esteem, focus, and concentration to support a lifetime of learning.rich, hands-on experiences lead young students to new knowledge and abilities they take pride in, at home and in the classroom. Language, reading, and math skills are mastered at each child’s individual pace, driven by their unique interests. Proven Montessori materials such as geometrics and decimal-based multiplication manipulatives help varied learners grasp essential concepts using all their senses. Science, social studies, music/movement, nature, and cultural studies round out the curriculum.

lower elementary (ages 6-9)Fanning the flames of curiosity. Developing a sense of place in the world.During this explosive plane of development, students pursue academic “quests,” driven by their natural wonder at how the world works, and thoughts about their place within it. classrooms become launching pads for collaborative journeys of discovery, as students learn to work in pairs and groups. The acquisition of foundational skills, such as using abstract reasoning, communicating with proper spelling and grammar, and conducting library research, are taught within the context of work that is personally meaningful to your child.

upper elementary (ages 9-12)Engaging with the world and developing an independent viewpoint.Students continue working to their full potential in a curriculum-rich environment. At the Upper Elementary level, students are guided and supported in independent learning from which they gain confidence and a sense of fulfillment. Extensive research work is undertaken and bolstered by real-world field trips and experiences. Lessons designed to stretch each student’s abilities imbue a strong sense of accomplishment, leaving them feeling like pioneers of discovery as they further “come into themselves” as learners and people.

adolescent program (ages 12-14)Finding meaning and satisfaction in the “real work” of serious learning.Thacher students at this level spend each day in lessons they find personally engaging, relevant, and productive. They build leadership skills as they serve as mentors to younger students. on a more practical level, an integrated curriculum and block class schedule prepare them for high school environments. Frequent use of seminars and independent studies refines academic skills to help our graduates thrive in the most rigorous secondary schools. Students have opportunities to participate in outside projects that make an impact in the world at large.

If you’re intrigued by the information you’ve seen here, we encourage you to see for yourself how different the Thacher Montessori experience can be. Please contact us at 617-361-2522 or www.thacherschool.org to arrange a visit.