AMS at a Glance

Amherst Montessori School is an independent, coeducational, Montessori day school.

Mission: To build a peaceful world, one child at a time, Amherst Montessori School nurtures the unfolding of each child's clear intellect, healthy spirit, and strong character.

Founded: 1970

Enrollment: Approximately 85 students

Grades: Toddler (18 months) to Grade 6 (age 12)

Location: South Amherst, MA. 2.2 acre campus plus additional space in a nearby commercial building. Serving 16 different communities: Amherst, Belchertown, Chicopee, Easthampton, Granby, Greenfield, Leverett, Montague, Northampton, Palmer, Pelham, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Sunderland, Ware, and Westfield.

Head of School: Tamara S. Balis, appointed July 2008

Faculty and Staff: 17 full- and part-time faculty and administration, including six faculty with Montessori certification. Five additional specialists who teach Spanish, art, music, and physical education.

Financial Aid: Approximately 28% of students receive some form of financial assistance to attend AMS.

Hours:

Before Care is available starting at 7:30 AM.

Toddler Program:

Morning Session: 8:15 AM-12:45 PM

School Day Session: 8:15 AM-2:45 PM

Children's House:

Morning Session: 8:15 AM-1 PM

Kindergarten and School Day Session: 8:15 AM-3 PM

Elementary: 8:15 AM-3:15 PM

After Care is available until 4 PM or 5:30 PM for all programs.

Accreditation and Affiliation: Accredited by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. Full-member affiliate of the American Montessori Society. Member of the Montessori Schools of Massachusetts and the North American Montessori Teachers' Association.

Governance: A Board of Trustees governs the school. Members are nominated by the Committee on Trustees and elected by the full Board. The Board is comprised of current parents, alumni parents, and community members.