About Us

Our World Montessori is a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse community of learners. Our children explore and work together in a warm and nurturing home-like environment. We are proudly celebrating our 22nd year of fostering independence and joy of learning!

 In The Beginning 

Our World was founded in 2004 by an American Montessori Society-credentialed teacher (Jennifer Graham Haggerty) with 20+ years of Montessori teaching experience to meet the increasing need for authentic Montessori schools in the Capital District.

Leadership 

Diane Lanci, Head of School, American Montessori Society Administrator credential. Diane is a former Montessori student and  parent of 2 children who attended Montessori from age 3 through 8th grade.

Serving Children

Our World Montessori is a thriving school serving and educating over 60 children from 18 months through kindergarten. Our families come from all over the Capital District area, including Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties. 

Our Mission is to Prepare Children for Life

Our program is child-centered. Children learn through the exploration of self-chosen, hands-on materials. Understanding that children learn at their own pace and have a variety of interests, AMS-credentialed Montessori teachers plan lessons based on the individual interests and readiness of the children rather than chronological age.

A natural sense of wonder motivates these young learners to explore their connections to the world around them. They are learning how to get along with others as well as understanding each person’s responsibility to take care of not only themselves and their school environment, but also the wider community and our planet.

The great gift of a Montessori education is not the accumulation of facts, but the lighting of the fire of learning, discovery, and joy the child will have for a lifetime.

Meeting Family Needs

Our World Montessori has three classrooms: two Children's House classrooms for children 3-6 years old and one Toddler room for children 18 months to 3 years. The children also have daily outdoor play on our playgrounds and participate in nature walks with their  teachers.


To meet the needs of our working parents, we offer childcare for children in our programs. Our Morningcare program begins at 7:30 a.m., and our Aftercare program is available until 5:30 p.m. Additionally, our program includes exciting Fun Days during school breaks as well as a summer camp program for children 18 months old to 6 years old.

Mission Statement

Our World Montessori is an inclusive community that celebrates diversity. We are a learning community of children, their families, and staff members who are dedicated to the development and growth of the whole child as a unique individual. Through the prepared environment of trained Montessori teachers and Montessori materials, the child develops self-discipline, concentration, independence, a lifelong love of learning, and a respect for self, others, and all living things.

Vision

To create a learning environment that provides a high quality Montessori education for all children and families who desire it and to respectfully support and educate parents in the Montessori method and philosophy.


To create a beautiful environment with warm, inviting classrooms and beautiful materials.


To offer exceptional and authentic Montessori Toddler and Children's House programs as well as the highest quality childcare to meet the needs of our working families.

 

To create an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion.


Vision-Dedicated Staff

To build a team of Montessori-credentialed educators and assistant teachers that is dedicated to the children we serve and to Our World Montessori as a school and community of educators.

 

To encourage a team that sees themselves, in addition to being individual classroom teams, as one large team that respectfully collaborates with and supports each other for the benefit of the entire community.


Our team is encouraged to attend ongoing Montessori professional development or training programs such as conferences, seminars, and webinars.

Core Values

Our World Montessori is an inclusive community that is committed to and celebrates the principle of diversity. We welcome everyone, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religious or spiritual beliefs, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, family configuration, political affiliation, or marital status in the administration of our employment, educational or admissions policies, or tuition assistance programs.


We are proud to be an American Montessori Society full member school.