The School
Metropolitan Montessori School was founded 46 years ago as a parents’ cooperative known as St. Michael’s Montessori. In 1996, the school moved to its present location at 325 West 85th Street, and in 2009, the school completed the purchase of the school building.
Head of School Mary Gaines and Associate Head Bob Reveri have been associated with MMS for more than 15 years, and have attracted a vibrant and creative faculty that work together closely in the interest of each child.
The school, serving about 200 children between the ages of 3 and 12, is rooted in the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori, but has adapted its programs to meet the particular needs of New York City children in the 21st Century. The result is a dynamic environment where children experience hands-on learning, and discover who they are and how they relate to the larger world.
An Appreciation for Nature
An appreciation for nature is evident throughout the school, from the two century-old London plane trees that frame the entrance, to the tropical fish aquarium in the lobby, the classroom pets, the rooftop garden and greenhouse, and the healthy, organic meals prepared by the school’s chef. The Primary children plant bulbs and tend flowerbeds while older children use the rooftop greenhouse for horticultural experiments and growing fruits, herbs, and vegetables.
In 2005, MMS joined the Black Rock Forest consortium in Cornwall, N.Y., http://www.blackrockforest.org/ which allows the school unlimited use of the 4,000-acre forest in partnership with outdoor educators. Beginning in Extended Day (kindergarten), all students visit Black Rock at least once each season. MMS sends a bus of students to the forest every week for a day of environmental science, hiking, carpentry, and exploration. MMS students have designed and built a bridge at the forest; studied the habitats of native birds and built suitable birdhouses; and studied wind power and built a turbine for the forest facilities.
After MMS, graduates have enrolled at many of New York’s selective ongoing schools, including Brearley, Calhoun, Collegiate, Fieldston, Friends Seminary, Horace Mann, Hunter, Marymount, Nightingale-Bamford, Riverdale, Trevor Day, and Trinity.