Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro
Top Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors
This weekend marks your last chance to experience the vibrant artistry of LuminoCity. Photo courtesy LuminoCity
Train Shows and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids
Find free fun for Long Island kids at the free play space at the Broadway Mall. Photo courtesy the mall
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things to Do with Long Island Kids
Take in the model train display at the Town of Babylon History Museum. Photo by the author
Fun Free Activities for Kids in January 2025: 20 Free Things To Do on Long Island
At the Engeman Theater, join Jenny and Frosty on an adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville. Photo courtesy of the theater
Christmas Vacation on Long Island: 30 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do with Kids
Bounce! in Syosset is a trampoline adventure destination that includes a toddler playground for younger kids. Photo by Jennifer Voit
15 Family Fun Centers on Long Island
The Vanderbilt has a planetarium, an expansive mansion, and a museum, making it a great place to explore on a rainy day. Photo by Kristen Markel
25 Things To Do Indoors on Long Island on a Rainy Day
Throw a glow-karting or laser tag party for your winter baby at Xplore. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
Best Winter Birthday Ideas for Kids on Long Island
Families gather at Northport Park as the sun sets on the scenic Northport Harbor. Photo by the author
Best Cute Towns on Long Island with Walkable Main Streets
GUIDE
LI Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
A day at Sunken Meadow State Park can feature playground games, a walk on the beach, and more. Photo by Kimberly Chacon
Best Playgrounds on Long Island for Kids
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Speed down the slides at Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Celebrate with a themed birthday at Sippy Cups. Photo by the author
Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids on Long Island
Kids can hop on tricycles and ride around the indoor track at L.I. Salty Kids Cove.
The Best Indoor Play Spaces for Kids in Suffolk County
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for Long Island Kids
Summer camp is a great way for kids to make new friends and learn new skills
GUIDE
Long Island Summer Camp Guide
Discover the trails at Quogue Wildlife Refuge for a day of free, outdoorsy fun. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
100 Free Things To Do on Long Island with Kids
Free meals for kids are available on Tuesdays at most Moe’s Southwest Grill locations on Long Island.
Kids Eat Free: Top Long Island Restaurants with Free Meal Deals for Families
Winding paths, ponds, and streams line the lush grounds of Clark Botanic Gardens.
17 Secret Long Island Spots Kids Love
Encourage an introduction to STEM education at the Long Island Children's Museum.
Best Science Museums on Long Island for Families
Learn to surf at Montauk's SurfLuca or another surf school. Photo courtesy of the school.
100 Things To Do on Long Island Before Kids Grow Up
Host an affordable birthday party at Whimsical Vine Party Hall. Photo by Chofit the Man to Call via Pexels
Inexpensive Birthday Party Room Rentals on Long Island
Babies 2 and younger can pet the goats, alpacas, and ponies for free at Fink’s Country Farm.
12 Free Places to Play on Long Island with Babies and Toddlers
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Enjoy the engaging exhibits at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
Best Museums for Kids on Long Island
Keep the kids busy at Applebee's with games on a tableside tablet. Photo by Anne Caminiti - Momee Friends of Long Island www.momeefriendsli.com
Long Island Restaurants with Fun Entertainment for Kids
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up
Photo by Dora Somosi via Instagram
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for Long Island
Grab the brass ring and get a free ride at Greenport's carousel. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
Top Attractions in Long Island: Best Things to See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids

9 Montessori Preschools for Long Island Kids

Stimulate your child's learning at West Hills Montessori. Photo courtesy of the school
Stimulate your child's learning at West Hills Montessori. Photo courtesy of the school
2/19/22 - By Toby B

The days are long, but the years are short. Before you know it, it’s time for your little one to spread his or her wings and head off to preschool.

There are many preschool options on Long Island, and choices can be overwhelming. But if you’ve decided a Montessori preschool is a good fit for your child, we’ve put together a list of options to get you started on a search.

For the uninitiated, Montessori is an educational philosophy developed more than a century ago that encourages kids to be independent and learn at their own pace. Typically students are grouped by ability rather than age, classrooms are outfitted with specific learning materials, and specially trained teachers act as observers and facilitators.  

Take advantage of the tours and open houses these schools offer and bring along your child so he or she can get a feel for the school as well. For more learning opportunities for Long Island kids, check out our classes and enrichment guide.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Montessori Preschools in Suffolk County

Montessori Life of Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai
Ages 2-6 years old
At Montessori Life, children are encouraged to explore and discover the world based on their interests and abilities. The school accepts enrollment year-round for its preschool and kindergarten classes and offers a 10-week summer camp program featuring Montessori-based experiences. A bilingual program allows children to learn Spanish naturally while exploring the world around them. Classroom design, materials, and daily routines support individual development. READ MORE

Loving Hands Montessori Preschool

Bay Shore
Ages 18 months to 6 years
Loving Hands Montessori Preschool accepts enrollments all year long for its preschool day care, toddler, and preschool programs. The school has options for families who are looking for full-day or half-day care as well as an accelerated curriculum for pre-kindergarten children. Healthy meals and snacks are provided in addition to the school’s own unique, child-focused curriculum based on Montessori principles. Summer programs are also offered. READ MORE

North Shore Montessori School

Stony Brook
Ages 18 months-5 years
North Shore Montessori welcomes children ages 6 weeks through kindergarten. A Montessori learning environment is like no other. Every child is unique and the faculty is trained and committed to nurturing the unique qualities of each child. The Montessori method focuses on allowing a child to learn in a hands-on setting, which is designed to cater to each child’s individual needs and unique personality. Through the prepared environments of each classroom, the students develop independence, self-discipline, academic skill, and a passion for life-long learning. NSMS is a... READ MORE
Students learn in mixed-age environments at Southampton Montessori School. Photo courtesy of the school
Students learn in mixed-age environments at Southampton Montessori School. Photo courtesy of the school

Montessori Preschools on Long Island's East End

Southampton Montessori School

Southampton
Ages 3-9 years
The curriculum here is based on a three-year cycle of mixed-age groupings so students can take full advantage of the program and learn from and teach each other. Half- and full-day preschool sessions are offered five days a week, and elementary sessions are five days a week from 9am to 2pm. Before- and after-care are available for families who need it. Students have access to the school’s main building, which houses the classrooms, a greenhouse, and a gymnasium. Students can also enjoy the garden, courtyard, and playground area. READ MORE

Montessori Preschools in Nassau County

Countryside Montessori School

Great Neck
Ages 18 months-6 years
Countryside Montessori School has two toddler classes and two primary classes. The toddler class is for children 18 months to 3 years old while primary includes nursery, pre-K, kindergarten, and first-grade students. Families are encouraged to keep their children in the primary program for three consecutive years to take advantage of the full curriculum. All curricula follow the Montessori philosophy. The school has an outdoor playground and access to natural surroundings that children are free to explore safely. READ MORE

The Happy Montessori School of Port Washington

Port Washington
Ages 2 years, 8 months-6 years
Founded in 1970, the Happy Montessori School is a community fixture. This New York State-accredited school looks to the Montessori principle that for children to learn they need freedom; a freedom that is best achieved through structure and predictability. Here, children have the opportunity to practice yoga, learn Spanish, and appreciate art and music. The school also offers a summer day camp held at Sands Point Preserve. Interested families are encouraged to call for a tour of the historic campus. Transportation is available for those in Port Washington and parts of... READ MORE

Long Island Montessori School

Westbury
Ages 3-6
Children at Long Island Montessori School learn in a multiage classroom functionally arranged for children to work and move about freely. All items are neatly placed on shelves that children can see and touch, and books are always available. The school offers an extended program in the morning and afternoon for those families who need it. READ MORE

The Montessori Children's School

Massapequa
Ages 2 years, 9 months-5 years
Children are encouraged to learn here through exploration. Programs for children begin as early as toddler and run all the way to kindergarten, taught by lead teachers with Montessori certification. The school offers an extended-hours program for families who need before- and after-care. There is also a summer camp for children. READ MORE

Our Lady of Grace Montessori School

Manhasset
Ages 3-10 years
Our Lady of Grace Montessori School’s "The Wings" program is a multiage community of learners between the ages of 3 and 6. Half-day sessions are offered for either the morning or the afternoon for 3-year olds and full days are available for 4-year olds. The school follows Montessori principles with a Catholic orientation in all areas of learning, including practical life, sensorial, math, and language. Classrooms are carefully prepared with concrete and hands-on materials designed for discovery and understanding. The curriculum adheres to New York State standards. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: